Interface Data Structure Segmentation for Media Project Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital media authoring programs face challenges in efficiently managing large numbers of project objects, making it difficult for users to navigate and locate specific objects within a flat or hierarchical data structure, especially when dealing with numerous assets, menus, and timelines.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves generating and redefining an interface data structure based on user-selected project object characteristics, allowing for the display of project objects in either a flat list or hierarchical tree format, with the ability to filter out specific categories, thereby presenting a condensed view that focuses on particular characteristics and allows for customizable data presentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If all project objects are displayed in a flat or hierarchical data structure, then complete visibility of all objects is achieved, but navigation and location of specific objects becomes difficult when dealing with large numbers of assets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the project objects into different categories (assets, menus, timelines) and provides separate display areas for each category. This segmentation allows users to view all objects across categories while easily navigating to specific categories of interest, resolving the contradiction between complete visibility and ease of navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a categorical dimension to the display structure, organizing objects not just in a flat or hierarchical list but in a multi-dimensional grid where objects are arranged by category. This additional dimensional organization enables users to locate specific objects more efficiently while maintaining visibility of the complete set.
2Ease of operation
If a flat list display structure is used, then all project objects are visible in a single view, but the structure lacks organizational hierarchy for complex projects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display into category-specific sections (assets, menus, timelines) within a unified interface. This segmentation provides organizational hierarchy through categorical grouping while maintaining the simplicity of a flat list structure within each category, allowing users to access all objects in a single view without overwhelming complexity.
3Device complexity
If a hierarchical tree structure is used, then organizational structure is improved, but navigation becomes more complex and requires expanding/collapsing folders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hierarchical structure into category-specific flat lists, eliminating the need for expanding and collapsing folders. Each category (assets, menus, timelines) is displayed as a separate, easily navigable list, providing organizational structure without the navigation complexity of traditional hierarchical trees.
4Loss of information
If all categories of project objects are displayed together, then comprehensive view is achieved, but specific characteristics are not emphasized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display by category, with each category (assets, menus, timelines) having its own dedicated display area. This segmentation achieves comprehensive visibility of all project objects while simultaneously emphasizing specific characteristics of each category through separate, focused presentation areas.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus, including a computer program product, implementing techniques for displaying visible representations of project objects associated with a media project, the project objects having characteristics; and in response to a user action that identifies at least one of the characteristics, altering the visible representation of at least one of the project objects based on the identified characteristic.