Segmented Value Scrubbing for Video Editing Interfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user interfaces do not provide an efficient way to modify segmented values, such as time values in video and audio editing applications, as they are limited by the boundaries of the screen, requiring users to reselect and reposition the cursor to change values beyond the display limits.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a 'scrubbing' mechanism that allows users to select a value and make directional motions to increase or decrease it without regard to cursor position, enabling modification of segmented values by selecting and dragging any segment, with visual feedback and the option to use keyboard inputs, and allowing for flexible axis locking to prevent accidental changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional slider is used to change a value, then the user can quickly and easily change the numeric value with clear visual feedback, but the user cannot change the value beyond the minimum and maximum bounds defined by the slider endpoints
Solution Approach 1:
The value display is segmented into multiple individual value segments (e.g., hours, minutes, seconds, frames) that can be independently selected and modified. This segmentation allows the user to target specific portions of a compound value for modification, enabling both quick changes to individual segments and flexible adjustment of the overall value range beyond traditional slider bounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface transitions from a one-dimensional slider with fixed endpoints to a multi-dimensional value segment structure. Each value segment can be independently selected and modified, adding a new dimension of control where users can choose which specific segment to adjust. This dimensional change eliminates the fixed bounds problem by allowing navigation through multiple value segments in sequence.
2Device complexity
If the cursor position is used to determine value modification, then the interface is simple and direct, but the user is limited by screen boundaries and must reselect the control to continue modification beyond screen edges
Solution Approach 1:
The interface merges the selection and modification functions into a single integrated operation. When a value segment is selected, subsequent cursor movements or keyboard inputs directly modify that segment without requiring separate selection actions. This merging eliminates the need to reselect controls after reaching screen boundaries, maintaining interface simplicity while enabling continuous modification across the entire value range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous modification capability by allowing the user to keep the control selected and continue making directional motions even after the cursor reaches screen edges. The useful action of value modification continues uninterrupted, with the system interpreting directional intent rather than requiring precise cursor positioning, thus eliminating the need to deselect and reselect the control.
3Loss of information
If segmented values are displayed (e.g., time values in video editing), then the information is well-organized and readable, but existing interfaces do not provide an efficient way to modify these segmented values
Solution Approach 1:
The compound value (e.g., time code) is divided into distinct value segments (hours, minutes, seconds, frames) that are visually separated and can be independently selected. This segmentation maintains the organized, readable display of information while enabling efficient modification by allowing the user to select and modify individual segments or groups of segments through directional motions, rather than requiring separate controls for each segment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for changing a value displayed on a screen is provided. In response to receiving a user input indicating motion in a particular direction, changing the value independent of where the position of a cursor is on the screen. The value being changed may comprise of a series of segments, and each segment value can be changed individually. In addition, a different user input device that does not indicate motion in a particular direction may be used to change segment values and to select other segment values. Methods for automatically formatting a segmented values and calculating a base time rate based on two different frame rates are also provided.