Linked Media Guidance Segments for Low-Memory Client Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Memory-constrained client devices struggle to receive full sets of media guidance data due to insufficient bandwidth and computing power, leading to inefficient navigation and display of media assets.

Innovation Solution

Segment media guidance data into linked segments based on user navigation, storing them remotely until requested, allowing retrieval and display of only necessary data to maintain efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If full sets of media guidance data are transmitted to client devices, then users can access complete media asset information, but memory-constrained devices cannot store the data and bandwidth is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to complete media asset informationVSAvoiddata storage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the complete media guidance data into multiple segments organized in a tree structure, where each segment contains a portion of the media asset information. This segmentation allows memory-constrained devices to request and store only the specific segments needed for current navigation, rather than downloading the entire data set. The tree structure enables hierarchical access where parent segments contain navigation information to child segments, allowing efficient retrieval of relevant data portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts only the necessary portions of media guidance data that are currently needed for display and navigation, rather than transmitting the complete data set. The system identifies and retrieves specific segments based on user navigation state, extracting relevant information on-demand. This extraction approach ensures that devices receive minimal necessary data while still providing complete access to media asset information over time through sequential segment retrieval.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If full sets of media guidance data are downloaded, then complete media asset listings are available, but download time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of media asset listingsVSAvoiddownload time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary organization of media guidance data into a tree-structured segment format on the server side before transmission. This preliminary segmentation includes pre-calculating navigation paths and organizing data hierarchically so that when users navigate, the system can quickly assemble complete media asset listings by following pre-established segment relationships. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming data assembly at the client device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous navigation through media assets by maintaining segment linkage information that allows seamless transitions between segments. As users navigate through the media guidance interface, the system continuously retrieves and assembles relevant segments in real-time, providing uninterrupted access to complete media asset listings without requiring full initial downloads. The segmented approach maintains continuous useful action by delivering data in manageable portions as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Loss of energy

If segmented data is retrieved on-demand, then bandwidth usage is optimized, but navigation between segments must be efficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth consumptionVSAvoidsegment navigation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal tree structure that serves multiple functions: it organizes data hierarchically, provides navigation pathways, and enables efficient segment retrieval. The same tree structure is used for both data organization and navigation guidance, eliminating the need for separate navigation data structures. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity while enabling efficient segment retrieval and minimizing bandwidth consumption through targeted data requests.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12501121B2Systems and methods for linking segments of media guidance data for efficient operation of memory constrained devices

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 ADEIA GUIDES INC

AI summary

Methods and systems for generating segmented media asset identifiers are described herein. The method includes retrieving a first media guidance data segment of a plurality of media guidance data segments. Each segment of the plurality of media guidance data segments includes a plurality of media asset identifiers and is navigationally linked to at least one other media guidance data segment. The method further involves generating for display the media asset identifiers of the first media guidance data segment. While generating for display the media asset identifiers of the first media guidance data segment, a first user input corresponding to navigating to the media asset identifiers of a linked media guidance data segment is received. In response to receiving the first user input, the linked media guidance data segment is retrieved, and the media asset identifiers of the linked media guidance data segment are generated for display.