Program Segments Display Bar for Media Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media navigation systems, such as those using remote controls, lack a convenient method for viewers to locate specific segments or scenes in recorded programs, requiring observation of fast-forwarded video to avoid missing desired content.
Innovation Solution
A program segments display bar is introduced, featuring still images representing different segments or advertisements of television media content, allowing viewers to select and navigate to specific parts of the content using a remote control, with a focus indicator to highlight selectable images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If fast-forward function is used to shorten viewing time, then time efficiency is improved, but the ability to locate specific segments or scenes of interest deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the media content into discrete segments or scenes, each represented by a thumbnail image in a display bar. This segmentation allows viewers to quickly scan and identify specific segments of interest without watching the entire fast-forwarded content, thus maintaining time efficiency while improving segment location capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - a display bar containing thumbnail images of different segments - between the fast-forward function and the viewer. This intermediary provides visual cues about content segments, enabling viewers to locate interesting parts quickly without directly observing the fast-forwarded video stream.
2Measurement precision
If viewer observes fast-forwarded video to locate segments, then segment identification accuracy is improved, but time efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates simplified copies (thumbnail images) of the actual video segments in a display bar. These thumbnails serve as visual representations that allow viewers to identify segments of interest quickly without needing to observe the full-resolution fast-forwarded video, thus improving time efficiency while maintaining identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional video playback to a two-dimensional interface by displaying thumbnail images in a vertical or horizontal bar alongside the video. This dimensional change allows viewers to scan multiple segments simultaneously and select desired content without sequentially watching fast-forwarded video, improving both speed and accuracy of segment location.
3Device complexity
If remote control navigation is used without visual segment indicators, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single interface element - the display bar serves both as a visual indicator of content segments and as a navigation tool. By combining information display and navigation control in one component, the system improves ease of operation without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The display bar automatically populates with thumbnail images of video segments without requiring manual configuration or complex setup. The system self-generates the navigation interface based on the video content being played, reducing the complexity burden on the user while providing enhanced navigation capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A program segments display bar is described. In embodiment(s), a program segments display bar has still images that can include scene images and advertisement images. The scene images can each correspond to a different segment of television media content, such as a movie or television program, and are displayed in the program segments display bar to indicate a sequence of the television media content. The advertisement images can each correspond to a different advertisement and can be displayed in the program segments display bar to indicate where the different advertisements are included with the television media content. The program segments display bar can also include a focus that can be positioned proximate a still image to indicate that the still image is selectable.