Program Guide Time Slot Selection Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing program guide systems are inflexible, automatically scrolling to the next time slot when the current time passes an end time slot boundary, preventing users from viewing or scrolling back to previously elapsed time slots, limiting user convenience and flexibility in accessing program information.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a mechanism that allows users to selectively scroll through program guide information, enabling viewing of program listings even after the end time slot boundary has passed, with options to scroll back to previous time slots after a predetermined period of disuse or at user discretion, without automatic scrolling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If program guide information is provided in a rigid and inflexible manner with automatic scrolling at time slot boundaries, then the system operation is simplified and automated, but user flexibility and ability to view past program listings is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static automatic scrolling to dynamic user-controlled scrolling. The program guide allows users to scroll through time slots freely without being constrained by automatic scrolling at time slot boundaries, enabling viewing of past, present, and future program listings at any time.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the system automatically advancing through time slots, the user takes control to scroll backward and forward through time slots as needed. This inverts the control mechanism from system-driven automatic scrolling to user-driven manual scrolling.
2Loss of time
If the system automatically scrolls to the next time slot when the current time passes an end time slot boundary, then the system maintains current time accuracy, but users cannot view or scroll back to previously elapsed time slots
Solution Approach 1:
The system retains program listing information for future viewing before the user actually requests it. Past time slot information is preserved in memory or storage, allowing users to scroll back and view program listings from previous time slots even after those time slots have elapsed.
3Quantity of substance
If program guide information is removed after a predetermined period of time or disuse, then storage space is conserved, but user ability to access historical program information is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the retention parameter of program guide information from fixed time-based removal to flexible user-request-based retention. Information is kept available until the user navigates away or requests new information, maximizing historical access while managing storage through user behavior rather than rigid time limits.
Data Source
AI summary
Mechanisms are provided for allowing improved selection of program guide information. Program guide information includes channel, time, and program listing information. In particular examples, each program listing is associated with a time slot having beginning time slot boundary and an end time slot boundary. Program listing information can be viewed even after a current time passes an end time slot boundary. In some examples, program listing information may be removed after a predetermined period of time or after a predetermined period of disuse.