Scaled User Interface for Precise Video Seek Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in accurately and precisely skipping or rewinding through long videos on small screens due to the small size or lack of proper scale in existing seek bars.
Innovation Solution
A scaled user interface is provided, allowing users to access a first playback axis and, upon interaction, a second playback axis with a different scale is displayed, enabling finer or coarser increments of playback control through a seek indicator, adjustable based on user interaction duration and direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional seek bar is used on a small screen, then the interface is simple and occupies minimal space, but the user cannot accurately or precisely seek to a specific point in the video
Solution Approach 1:
The seek bar is segmented into multiple levels: a first seek bar for coarse navigation and a second seek bar for fine-tuned precision seeking. This segmentation allows users to first locate the general time range using the first seek bar, then switch to the second seek bar for precise positioning, thereby achieving high measurement precision without overwhelming interface complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the interface by implementing multi-level seeking that activates based on user interaction duration. A brief press triggers the first seek bar for quick navigation, while a prolonged press (exceeding a threshold duration) triggers the second seek bar for precision seeking. This dimensional change in interaction time enables precise control without permanently complicating the interface
2Measurement precision
If the seek bar is made larger to improve visibility and precision, then seeking accuracy improves, but the screen space for video content decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The seeking functionality is segmented across two distinct interfaces: the first seek bar maintains a compact size that preserves video display area, while the second seek bar provides enhanced precision but is only displayed when needed. This segmentation ensures that the video area remains maximized during normal playback, while precision seeking is available on-demand without permanently reducing display space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by providing the full-precision second seek bar only when the user indicates a need for it through a prolonged press action. For typical seeking needs, the simpler first seek bar suffices, preserving screen real estate. The enhanced precision interface is activated partially and conditionally, balancing seek accuracy with video display area
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single-level seek bar is used, then the interface is simple, but it cannot provide both coarse and fine navigation capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The first seek bar serves multiple functions: it provides coarse navigation for typical seeking needs and acts as a trigger mechanism for accessing the precision second seek bar. This multi-functionality reduces overall interface complexity while maintaining navigation flexibility, as one interface element performs both primary navigation and secondary activation roles
Solution Approach 2:
The seek interface is made dynamic through duration-based activation. The system automatically adapts between the first and second seek bars based on how long the user presses the first seek bar. This dynamic behavior provides versatile navigation capabilities without requiring the user to manually switch between different interface modes, thereby managing complexity while enhancing adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods and systems for providing a scaled user interface. A content player can provide a user interface that enables a user to manage playback (e.g., seek) of the time-based content item. The user can access a first playback direction (e.g., a first playback axis, etc.) associated with the time-based content item and cause a user interface element to be displayed. The user can click/press the user interface element in a continuous action to cause a second playback direction (e.g., a second playback axis, etc.) to be displayed. The second playback direction can be associated with a scale that is different (e.g., less/greater) than a scale associated with the first playback direction.