Hierarchical User Interface with Focus Pointers for Set-Top Box Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user interfaces for electronic devices, such as set-top boxes and TVs, are limited in their ability to organize an increasing number of media types and services without increasing complexity, making it difficult for users to navigate and access various options efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A user interface system with a main scrollable folder and multiple subfolders, utilizing fixed and moveable focus pointers to allow users to easily access and navigate through a hierarchical structure of elements, enabling the management of numerous media types and services in a user-friendly manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional single-level user interface is used, then the interface structure is simple, but it cannot organize an increasing number of media types and services
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is segmented into multiple hierarchical levels (main folder, subfolders, and items) where each level serves a specific organizational function. This segmentation allows the interface to handle increasing numbers of media types and services by dividing them into manageable categories across different levels, rather than presenting everything at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the user interface by adding multiple levels of folders and subfolders. This transforms the traditional single-level interface into a multi-dimensional structure where users can navigate through levels (main folder → subfolder → item) to access content, effectively increasing organizational capacity without proportionally increasing interface complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more folders and elements are added to increase functionality, then the interface can manage more media types, but navigation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The focus pointer in the patent is designed to be movable across different hierarchical levels dynamically. Users can navigate from the main folder to subfolders and items by moving the focus pointer through defined navigation paths. This dynamic focus mechanism simplifies navigation by providing a consistent interaction model regardless of the hierarchical depth, making it easier to operate despite increased functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a hierarchical folder structure with multiple levels is implemented, then more media types can be organized, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested folder structure where subfolders are contained within main folders, and items are contained within subfolders. This nesting approach allows hierarchical organization of media types and services while maintaining a unified interface structure. The nested design enables complex organization capabilities without proportionally increasing overall interface complexity, as the same structural patterns repeat at each level.
Data Source
AI summary
User interface systems and methods are disclosed. The user interfaces include at least one focus pointer that allow a user to quickly access the elements contained in a plurality of folders. A fixed focus pointer selects one of a plurality of elements of a main folder in response to interaction of a user. A moveable focus pointer scrolls through a plurality of elements of the first subfolder to select a second subfolder in response to interaction of a user. The user interface may include additional folders and focus pointers.