Graphical Metadata Regions for Intuitive Search Query Formulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current user interfaces for searching media assets are cumbersome and inefficient, requiring text entry or selection of individual letters, which limits the speed and flexibility of query generation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow users to generate search queries by interacting with graphical representations of media items, using metadata regions that can be resized, repositioned, and combined to define search terms, enabling more intuitive and flexible query formulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If text entry or individual letter selection is used for searching media assets, then the search interface is simple to implement, but the query generation becomes slow and restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the media item representation into multiple metadata regions, each corresponding to different attributes (genre, director, actor, etc.). Users can independently select and manipulate these regions to construct search queries, enabling faster and more flexible query generation compared to traditional text entry methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the traditional one-dimensional text input method into a two-dimensional graphical interface where metadata regions are spatially arranged. Users interact with these regions through dragging, dropping, and combining operations, adding a spatial dimension to query construction that significantly improves operational efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If traditional text entry interfaces are used, then the device complexity is low, but the user experience becomes irritating and restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional interface where the same graphical representation serves multiple purposes: displaying media information, enabling search query construction, and providing visual feedback. The metadata regions can be selected, dragged, dropped, and combined to perform various search operations, making the interface universally applicable for different search scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a query construction area as an intermediary between the media item representation and the search results. This intermediate space allows users to visually assemble search queries by combining selected metadata regions, providing a intuitive bridge that enhances user experience while managing interface complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If metadata regions are made resizable and repositionable, then query formulation flexibility improves, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic metadata regions that can be resized and repositioned by users. These regions adapt to user interactions, allowing flexible query construction where users can adjust the size and position of different metadata attributes to prioritize or de-emphasize specific search criteria, greatly enhancing query formulation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where metadata regions can contain or overlap with each other, similar to nested dolls. This allows complex query formulations where multiple metadata attributes can be combined hierarchically, enabling users to build sophisticated search queries by nesting smaller metadata regions within larger ones.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, and user interfaces for search query formulation are provided. A graphical representation (610) of a media basis may be provided that includes at least one metadata region (611) representing metadata associated with the media basis. Then, at least one user selection (620) of at least a portion of the graphical representation (610) may be received. Based on the received selection(s) (620), at least one search term may be generated.