Video Editing Interface with Layered Media Overlay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Video editing on mobile devices is challenging due to limited screen size, making it difficult to effectively manage and edit media content with multiple elements.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for presenting media content with multiple media elements in an editing environment, using a user interface that includes a video track representation and a layered representation of media elements, allowing users to navigate, select, and edit media elements within a limited display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a desktop video editing environment is used to achieve high-quality results with multiple media elements, then the editing capability and production value are improved, but the device complexity and workspace requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The video editing interface is segmented into multiple functional regions: a media library section, a timeline section, a preview player, and a properties panel. Each region handles specific editing tasks independently, allowing complex editing operations to be broken down into manageable segments that can be accessed within limited screen space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the z-order dimension by implementing collapsible and expandable interface elements. Panels can be collapsed to minimize screen space occupation or expanded when needed, effectively adding a depth dimension to the 2D screen real estate and allowing more functionality to be packed into the available space.
2Ease of operation
If features are removed from mobile video editing applications to simplify the interface, then the ease of operation is improved, but the production value and quality of results are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The interface elements are designed to be dynamic rather than static. Panels can be collapsed to simplify the interface when not in use, and expanded when needed to provide access to advanced features. This dynamic behavior allows the same interface to serve both simple and complex editing needs without requiring separate applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal editing framework where a single interface structure can handle both basic and advanced editing tasks. The same timeline, preview player, and media library serve both simple cuts and complex multi-track editing with effects and transitions, eliminating the need for separate simplified and full-featured applications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a virtual off-screen workspace is used to accommodate multiple media elements, then the editing capability is maintained, but the user spends excessive time scrolling through horizontal and vertical directions
Solution Approach 1:
The interface pre-positions frequently accessed elements within easy reach of the user's thumb or cursor. The media library, timeline, and preview player are arranged in a fixed layout that eliminates the need for extensive scrolling. Common editing operations can be performed without navigating through multiple screens or sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the media library, timeline, and preview player into a tightly integrated interface where elements that would traditionally be separated in a virtual workspace are combined into a compact unified view. This merging allows users to access all essential editing functions within a single screen view, eliminating the need to scroll between separate sections.
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a system comprises a hardware processor that is configured to: receive a request to modify a video content item containing a plurality of media elements; present a user interface that includes a video track representation of the video content item and a layered representation of the plurality of media elements, wherein each media element is represented by a media overlay element positioned proximal to the video track representation, wherein at least one media overlay element overlaps at least another media overlap element to provide a compact representation of the plurality of media elements; and in response to receiving a selected time position within the video track representation, update the layered representation within the user interface to present an expanded overlay list that includes media overlay elements corresponding to the subset of the plurality of media elements that occur at the selected time position.