Slideable Canvas EPG for IPTV Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Electronic Programming Guides (EPGs) are cumbersome to navigate, leading to inefficiency and frustration for users as they search through media channels for programs of interest.
Innovation Solution
A system that presents an EPG in a slideable canvas format within an Internet browser, allowing users to pan and navigate through media programs using GUI controls, enabling a larger virtual view of media programs and times, and allowing selection and streaming of content directly from a Set-Top Box in an IPTV media system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flat graphical user interface is used for EPG, then the interface is simple to implement, but navigation becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional flat 2D EPG interface into a 3D virtual environment where users can navigate through media programs spatially. The EPG data is rendered as three-dimensional objects in a virtual space, allowing users to interact with program listings from multiple angles and perspectives, fundamentally changing the navigation paradigm from linear scrolling to spatial exploration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a portal as an intermediary layer between the Set-Top Box and the user's communication device. This portal handles the complex tasks of rendering 3D graphics, managing virtual camera positions, and processing navigation commands, thereby simplifying the user interface while managing the underlying complexity through a dedicated mediation layer.
2Productivity
If users navigate between media channels to find programs, then no additional interface is needed, but the process is inefficient and frustrating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent organizes EPG data in a three-dimensional virtual space where programs are represented as selectable objects. Users can directly navigate to and select programs of interest without sequentially switching through media channels, dramatically reducing the time required to find and access desired content.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-loads and displays EPG information in the virtual environment, allowing users to browse and select programs before actually tuning to the media channel. This preliminary viewing and selection process eliminates the need to navigate through channels to discover program content, saving significant time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a slideable canvas format is used in a browser, then remote access and navigation are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements the EPG system within a web browser environment, allowing the same interface and functionality to be accessed from multiple types of communication devices (smartphones, tablets, computers, etc.). The browser-based approach provides universal access across different platforms and devices without requiring device-specific applications, thereby enhancing adaptability while leveraging the browser's existing capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for presenting an electronic programming guide in a media system is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) media receiver having a controller element to transmit to a portal information associated with an Electronic Programming Guide (EPG). The portal processes the information to present a Graphical User Interface (GUI) window corresponding to a slideable canvas of the EPG in an Internet browser of a communication device requesting the EPG. Other embodiments are disclosed.