Independent EPG Row Navigation for Efficient Program Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic program guides (EPGs) require users to scroll through entire grids to navigate, making it cumbersome to access past aired programs or specific programming information, leading to inefficient navigation and increased computing resource usage.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface with independent navigation of rows of thumbnails, allowing users to scroll and realign programming information based on inputs such as time, favorites, tags, and social connections, with automatic realignment and calculated speed to maintain user-friendly navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the entire EPG grid shifts when users scroll to maintain alignment, then navigation consistency is maintained, but users cannot access past aired programs efficiently and must scroll all the way back
Solution Approach 1:
The EPG grid is divided into independent row segments, each representing a different time period or program type. Users can navigate individual rows independently rather than scrolling through the entire grid, allowing direct access to specific time periods including past aired programs without requiring full-grid scrolling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an additional navigation dimension by allowing independent row selection and time-axis scrolling within each row. This transforms the conventional single-grid navigation into a multi-dimensional interface where users can simultaneously select different time periods and program types, enabling efficient access to past programs through direct row navigation rather than sequential scrolling.
2Loss of information
If the EPG displays all channels and times in a fixed grid format, then comprehensive program information is provided, but the system consumes excessive computing resources for rendering and navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The EPG data structure is segmented into independent row units, each representing a specific time period or program category. The system renders only the currently selected row and its associated programs rather than the entire grid, significantly reducing memory usage and processing requirements while maintaining access to all program information through sequential row navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of loading and rendering the complete EPG grid at once, the system implements lazy loading by rendering only the currently visible row and pre-loading adjacent rows. This partial rendering approach reduces immediate computing resource consumption while maintaining the appearance of comprehensive information availability through on-demand loading of additional rows as users navigate.
3Device complexity
If users must scroll through the entire grid to reach specific time periods, then the grid structure remains simple, but navigation becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The EPG interface is segmented into multiple independent rows, each representing a distinct time period or program type. Users can directly select and navigate between rows using simple up/down controls or touch gestures, eliminating the need for extensive horizontal scrolling while maintaining a visually simple grid-like structure. Each row independently displays its time period and programs, preserving structural simplicity while dramatically improving navigation efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
In various example embodiments, a system and method for electronic program guide (EPG) sorting and automatic realignment is provided. In example embodiments, a graphical user interface having an EPG including a plurality of rows of thumbnails representing programs is presented on a device of a user. Each row of thumbnails may be navigated independent of other rows. A navigational input is received via a touchscreen of the device. The navigational input indicates an action performed on the graphical user interface that triggers a realignment of programming information presented on the EPG. An updated EPG with the realignment of the programming information indicated by the navigational input is then provided.