Electronic Program Guide Linking Timeslot Data to Additional Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic program guides (EPGs) lack access to additional information and user interactivity, limiting user experience and functionality.
Innovation Solution
An enhanced EPG system that provides access to additional information and increased user interactivity by displaying program information in timeslots with links to related content, allowing users to access additional details and perform actions such as recording or purchasing related items upon user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional EPG displays only basic program information (channel, time slot, duration, title), then the system complexity remains low and ease of operation is maintained, but the quantity of information provided to users is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested information display where basic program information is shown in the main EPG view, and additional information (descriptions, cast, reviews, related content) is nested within expandable detail views. Users can access layered information without leaving the EPG interface, effectively nesting multiple levels of content within the single application interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to information display by showing not only current program details but also upcoming airings, related programs, and historical information. This transforms the flat 2D information display into a multi-dimensional information space that includes time-based navigation and related content dimensions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional EPG provides limited user interactivity (scrolling through listings, accessing individual timeslots), then the ease of operation is maintained, but the user interactivity and functionality are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functional buttons and interface elements that perform different actions based on context. For example, the information button can access program details, cast information, reviews, or related content depending on what is currently selected. The recording function can set one-time recordings, recurring recordings, or series recordings. This universal design allows single interface elements to provide multiple functions without increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides preliminary information and options to users before they make decisions. When viewing program information, related content, upcoming airings, and recording options are pre-loaded and displayed, allowing users to make informed decisions without additional searching or navigation steps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional EPG displays basic program information only, then the ease of manufacture and system simplicity are maintained, but the ability to provide additional related information and functionalities is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an information management system that acts as an intermediary between the EPG interface and multiple information sources (program databases, cast databases, review systems, recording systems). This intermediary layer handles the complexity of data integration and presentation, allowing the user interface to remain simple while accessing diverse information sources through standardized interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A process of displaying program information on a viewing screen may include: providing an electronic programming guide, the electronic program guide divided into timeslots containing program information; displaying program information from the displayed timeslots on a viewing screen; providing a link to additional information, the link associated with the program information of a particular timeslot; and displaying the additional information upon receiving a user input while displaying the program information of a particular timeslot. A related system may include: a client device configured to receive and display audio-visual programs; an electronic programming guide including a link to additional information associated with the program information of a particular timeslot; and a processor configured to display program information from the displayed timeslots on a viewing screen and to display the additional information on the viewing screen upon receiving a user input while the program information of the particular timeslot is displayed.