Electronic Program Guide Two-Dimensional Grid Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic program guides (EPGs) are inefficient due to their fixed, time-based arrangement, making it difficult for users to quickly find desired programs, especially in a multi-user environment with diverse content options, as they require keyword searches and vertical listings, which can be cumbersome and unsuitable for non-computer-savvy individuals.
Innovation Solution
A method for providing an electronic program guide that groups program data by non-time-related condition factors, displaying them in a two- or three-dimensional format on a multimedia reproduction system, using coordinate axes to arrange image blocks representing programs, allowing users to select and play content conveniently through intuitive interfaces like remote controllers, smartphones, or gesture control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If EPG programs are arranged in a fixed time-based vertical listing format, then the program guide structure is simple and easy to implement, but users cannot quickly find desired programs and the interface becomes cumbersome for non-computer-savvy individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional one-dimensional vertical time-based program listing into a two-dimensional grid layout where programs are arranged according to multiple condition factors (time, category, channel, etc.). This dimensional change allows users to visually scan and select programs more efficiently while maintaining an organized structure that is easy to implement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic reconfigurability to the EPG interface, allowing the arrangement of programs to be adjusted based on different condition factors and user preferences. The system can dynamically switch between different display modes and sorting criteria, making the interface adaptable rather than fixed, thereby improving ease of operation without excessive complexity.
2Ease of operation
If EPG displays all search results in a vertical list format, then the display structure is simple, but the interface becomes cumbersome and difficult to navigate when search results are extensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent organizes extensive search results in a two-dimensional grid format instead of a vertical list, allowing programs to be displayed across multiple columns and rows based on condition factors. This dimensional expansion increases the visible information area and improves navigability, enabling users to scan through more programs simultaneously without overwhelming the interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the EPG uses a fixed arrangement format, then the system is simple to implement, but it fails to satisfy the needs of different users in a multi-user environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability that allows different users to customize their EPG display preferences, including choice of condition factors for arrangement, sorting criteria, and display format. The system adapts to individual user needs while maintaining a manageable configuration structure through preset options and simple customization interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the EPG system with multi-functional capabilities that serve diverse user needs through a unified framework. The same basic system structure supports multiple arrangement modes, condition factors, and user preferences, providing adaptability without requiring separate systems for different users, thus balancing versatility with implementation simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
Method for providing an electronic program guide includes the following steps. First electronic program list data is grouped according to at least two condition factors not related to program broadcasting time to generate at least a first set of two-dimensional program list data. A display unit of a multimedia reproduction system is controlled to display the at least the first set of two-dimensional program list data on a screen thereof, wherein the screen displays a plurality of image blocks on a first plane, the image blocks on the first plane individually represent at least a portion of programs corresponding to the first set of two-dimensional program list data and are arranged according to first and second coordinate axes corresponding to first and second condition factors. When the system receives a selection indication, a program represented by one image block corresponding to the selection indication is played on the screen.