Electronic Program Guide Layout for More Viewing Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy electronic program guides (EPGs) are limited in the amount of information they can present due to display size constraints, requiring users to perform time-consuming paging and scrolling to access additional programming information.
Innovation Solution
An enhanced EPG system that includes a reduced size video, a mini guide with vertical bars for channel and program information, and an optional preview guide, allowing for a more comprehensive and intuitive presentation of programming information without the limitations of legacy EPGs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a legacy EPG uses a table format with text and symbols to present program information, then the display structure is simple and easy to implement, but the amount of information that can be presented is limited due to display size constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The EPG information is segmented into multiple hierarchical levels: program information blocks are organized into channel information blocks, which are further organized into genre-based groups. This segmentation allows comprehensive information presentation within limited display space by showing only relevant segments at any given time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third dimension to the traditional two-dimensional EPG table by adding genre-based hierarchical organization. Instead of only horizontal (time) and vertical (channel) dimensions, the system adds a genre dimension that allows users to navigate and filter information, effectively expanding the information capacity within the same display area.
2Loss of information
If a legacy EPG presents all available programming information, then complete information is provided, but users must perform time-consuming paging and scrolling to access additional information
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary organization of programming information by genre and channel characteristics before presentation. Genre information blocks are pre-configured to group channels by content type, so when users access the EPG, the information is already structured and filtered, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual paging and scrolling through unrelated channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The EPG system provides feedback mechanisms where users can select genre categories and the system responds by displaying only relevant channel groups. This interactive feedback loop allows users to quickly navigate to desired information without manually scrolling through all channels, reducing access time while maintaining information completeness.
3Loss of information
If a legacy EPG displays program information blocks for multiple channels, then comprehensive channel coverage is provided, but the display becomes cluttered and harder to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
Channel information blocks are segmented and grouped by genre categories rather than being displayed as a continuous sequence. This segmentation reduces visual clutter by organizing channels into logical groups, making the display easier to navigate while maintaining comprehensive channel coverage across all genres.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the EPG display are assigned different qualities and functions: genre information blocks provide categorical organization, channel information blocks provide detailed station data, and program information blocks provide scheduling details. This local differentiation improves navigation ease by allowing users to quickly locate and interact with relevant information types without being overwhelmed by uniform cluttered display elements.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are operable to present an enhanced electronic program guide (EPG). The enhanced EPG comprises a reduced size video, a mini guide, a single channel guide bar, and an optional preview guide bar.