Multichannel Thumbnail Display for Broadcast Channel Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of broadcast channels in digital broadcast systems makes channel selection cumbersome due to longer channel zapping delays and the difficulty in remembering channel numbers, leading to increased user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A channel control method and apparatus that displays multiple broadcast channel images on a screen simultaneously, allowing users to select channels through an input unit and transmit the selection request to a content delivery device, facilitating channel selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of broadcast channels is increased to provide more content options, then the variety of content is improved, but the channel selection time and user convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the channel selection process by displaying multiple channel thumbnails simultaneously on the screen, allowing users to visually identify and select desired channels without sequentially navigating through each channel. This segmentation of the search process reduces selection time while maintaining access to numerous channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from linear channel navigation (one channel at a time) to a multi-dimensional display approach by showing multiple channel images simultaneously on the screen. This dimensional change allows users to perceive and select from multiple channels at once, significantly reducing selection time.
2Ease of operation
If sequential channel navigation is used to simplify the interface, then the ease of operation is improved, but the channel selection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple channel displays into a single screen interface, combining the functionality of sequential navigation with simultaneous visual access to multiple channels. Users can still use simple navigation controls while also benefiting from the ability to see and select multiple channels at once.
3Adaptability or versatility
If digital broadcast receivers are used to provide more channels, then the content variety is improved, but the channel zapping delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-displaying multiple channel thumbnails on the screen before the user makes a selection. This allows the system to prepare multiple channel images in advance, so when the user selects a channel, the transition is faster compared to loading channels sequentially.
Data Source
AI summary
A channel control method and apparatus of a broadcast reception system are provided for facilitating channel selection by providing multiple broadcast channel images on a screen. A method of managing channels for a channel control device includes receiving video images of plural channels from a content delivery device, displaying the video images of plural channels on a screen simultaneously, receiving an input for selecting at least one of the plural channels; and transmitting a channel selection request indicating the selected channel to the content delivery device. The channel control method and apparatus are capable of facilitating a user to search for broadcast channels, resulting in improvement of the user's convenience.