Non-linear Data Scrolling Interface for Large Content Sets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic program guide (EPG) user interfaces face challenges in efficiently navigating large numbers of channels or content due to linear scrolling, which can be time-consuming and lack accuracy, especially when dealing with hundreds or thousands of options.
Innovation Solution
Implementing non-linear scrolling techniques that vary the size of displayed content based on distance from a selected point, allowing for fine-grained control near the selection while enabling rapid scrolling further away, along with magnification effects to enhance visibility and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If linear scrolling is used to navigate through a large number of channels or content, then the user interface is simple and easy to implement, but the time required to locate desired content increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scrolling where the scrolling speed and behavior change based on the user's interaction patterns and the amount of content displayed. The system transitions from linear scrolling to accelerated scrolling automatically, adjusting the navigation dynamics to reduce time loss while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the scrolling parameter from constant linear speed to variable speed based on content density and user position. By modifying the scrolling parameter dynamically, the system achieves faster content location without sacrificing user control, directly addressing the time loss issue.
2Productivity
If accelerated scrolling is used to scroll through large amounts of data quickly, then the scrolling speed increases, but the user loses visibility and accuracy of their current position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates continuous feedback mechanisms that provide the user with real-time information about their scrolling position and the content being viewed. This feedback loop maintains position accuracy even during accelerated scrolling, allowing users to navigate quickly without losing orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the content display into manageable sections with clear visual indicators. By dividing the large dataset into smaller, identifiable segments, the system maintains measurement precision during accelerated scrolling, allowing users to track their position accurately across the entire content set.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of channels or content items is increased to provide more options, then the service offering is improved, but the navigation and display complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces additional navigation dimensions beyond simple linear scrolling. By implementing multi-dimensional navigation capabilities, the system can organize and present a large number of channels and content items in a structured manner, reducing navigation complexity while maintaining content variety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the navigation interface based on the amount of content displayed. When content variety increases, the system automatically adapts the navigation complexity, providing simplified views and intelligent grouping to manage the increased number of options without overwhelming the user.
4Loss of information
If the display shows more content items simultaneously, then the overview is improved, but the individual item visibility and readability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the displayed content into hierarchical groups and categories. This segmentation allows the system to show a comprehensive overview of many content items while maintaining readability within each segment, effectively resolving the conflict between overview and individual item visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality enhancement to specific content items based on their importance, user selection, or contextual relevance. By enhancing the visual quality of individual items locally while maintaining a comprehensive overview globally, the system achieves both content overview and item readability simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for scrolling through a representation of data that is too large to be presented legibly in its entirety within confines of a display is disclosed. The method includes presenting a section of the representation on the display. A portion of the representation is selected, using the section presented on the display, for scrolling on. The presentation of the section presented on the display is modified to include additional representation based on the portion selected. The additional content is to be presented in a non-linear fashion. Input from a user interface associated with movement through the additional content is received. The movement is to provide non-linear scrolling through the additional content. Apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.