Media State User Interface for DVR Position Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of digital video recorders may become confused between live television and time-shifted program material, lacking clear visual indicators of their current viewing position within buffered content.
Innovation Solution
A media state user interface (UI) is implemented, using contrasting visual elements such as rectangular bars to distinguish between past and future recorded content, with a position indicator to track the current viewing position and provide additional playback information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If digital video recorder buffers broadcast content in real-time, then time-shifted viewing capability is improved, but user confusion between live and recorded content increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using different colors to represent different viewing states: one color indicates live broadcast content while another color indicates time-shifted recorded content. This visual differentiation allows users to immediately recognize whether they are watching live or recorded material, resolving the confusion between viewing modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the buffered content into distinct visual portions: a first visual element represents past recorded content and a second visual element represents future recorded content, with the interface positioned between them. This segmentation clearly divides the timeline and helps users understand their current position within the buffer.
2Loss of information
If visual indicators for viewing position are added, then user understanding of playback status is improved, but interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple pieces of information into a single integrated visual interface. The bar graph combines the representation of past content, future content, and current position indicator into one unified element, allowing users to grasp playback status at a glance without requiring multiple separate indicators.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface is dynamic, with the interface position automatically updating as playback progresses through the buffer. The first and second visual elements dynamically adjust their positions and sizes to reflect the changing playback state, providing continuous feedback without requiring manual intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If buffer size is increased, then time-shifted viewing flexibility is improved, but difficulty in tracking current position increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large buffer into manageable visual portions: a first visual element for past content and a second visual element for future content. This segmentation makes the buffer more manageable and helps users track their position even when the total buffer size is large, as the interface clearly marks the boundary between past and future content.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface acts as an intermediary between the large buffer and the user. It provides visual markers and position indicators that translate the abstract buffer state into concrete visual information, making it easier for users to understand their position within the buffer without requiring them to process the entire buffer contents.
Data Source
AI summary
A media state user interface (UI) indicates a section of past recorded content corresponding to content prior in time sequence to the current viewing position via a first visual element and a section of future recorded content corresponding to content post in time sequence to the current viewing position via a second visual element. The first and second visual elements are visually distinguishable, for example, through the presentation of each visual element in a contrasting color. Adjacent ends of the visual elements abut at an interface. The interface visually represents the current viewing position within the media content. A third visual element in the form of a position indicator tracks the current viewing position at the interface and provides additional information regarding playback and other manipulation of the media content.