Screensaver Module Dynamic Image Search and Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current screensavers lack flexibility in displaying dynamic and user-specific images, failing to provide a personalized experience for users.
Innovation Solution
A screensaver module that initiates a search query based on user-defined criteria and sequentially displays images from search results, allowing for customizable content during screensaver mode on various data processing devices, including set-top boxes and personal computers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current screensavers display dynamic images from a specific storage location, then the display is simple and reliable, but the flexibility and user-specific customization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a search engine as an intermediary component between the screensaver system and the image database. This mediator enables the system to dynamically retrieve images based on user-defined criteria without requiring direct access to complex storage locations, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity through a standardized interface
Solution Approach 2:
The screensaver system transitions from displaying static images from fixed storage locations to dynamically retrieving images based on user-defined search criteria. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different user preferences and contexts, improving versatility through programmable search queries and criteria
2Adaptability or versatility
If the screensaver displays images from search results, then user-specific content is provided, but the time required to retrieve and display images increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing search criteria and initiating search queries in advance. The screensaver module can pre-configure search parameters and maintain connection to search engines, enabling faster image retrieval during actual screensaver operation by reducing the time needed to formulate and execute search requests
3Adaptability or versatility
If the screensaver uses user-defined search criteria, then the content becomes personalized, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The screensaver system implements self-service functionality by automatically generating and executing search queries based on user-defined criteria without requiring manual intervention during operation. The system autonomously retrieves, processes, and displays images, reducing the operational burden on users while maintaining personalization through their initial criteria input
Data Source
AI summary
A system that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, receiving, prior to entering a screensaver mode of operation, a search criteria identifying a requested subject matter, wherein the search criteria is based on a last user-initiated search query to a web-based search engine. In response to entering the screensaver mode, the search criteria identifying the requested subject matter is automatically transmitted to a web browser. Image content referenced by a set of uniform resource locators based upon the search criteria is sequentially presented. In response to receiving user input, a user-selectable region is presented comprising a selectable element superimposed on the first image. Selection of the element causes a defined action generating an e-mail message having an attachment with content referenced by a link associated with the first image. Receiving user input from a second input device ceases presenting of the image. Other embodiments are disclosed.