Template Completion Interface for Interactive TV

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Solution Overview

Problem

Creating interactive television applications is a complex and costly process due to the need for specialized knowledge of system software and hardware, and existing design tools are overly complex for simpler tasks like filling in placeholder content in template applications, making it difficult for users to identify and modify necessary elements.

Innovation Solution

A system that allows designers to specify window sets with placeholder elements, enabling easy creation and modification of template applications by associating window sets with projects, making it easier for users to identify and update elements, and providing a user-friendly interface for episodic project creation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a specialized data entry application is created for filling in template content, then the precision of template completion is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemplate completion precisionVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a template completion interface that acts as an intermediary between the user and the template application. This interface automatically detects placeholder elements and presents contextualized data entry forms, mediating the complex process of template completion while shielding users from underlying system complexity. The interface serves as a bridge that translates complex template requirements into user-friendly data entry tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The template completion interface employs self-service mechanisms by automatically detecting placeholder elements within the template and generating appropriate data entry forms without user intervention. The system autonomously identifies what information is needed, where it should be entered, and presents it in a contextualized manner, eliminating the need for users to navigate complex manual configuration processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If a comprehensive authoring interface is provided for template modification, then the adaptability of template customization is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemplate customization capabilityVSAvoiduser operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing different levels of interface complexity in different contexts. When users are working with template placeholders, the interface presents simplified, contextualized data entry forms focused on the specific placeholder being filled. When users need broader template customization capabilities, the full authoring interface is available. This localized adaptation of interface complexity allows the system to be both highly adaptable and easy to use at any given moment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The interface dynamically adapts its complexity based on the user's current task and context. When a placeholder element is selected or detected, the interface transforms into a simplified data entry mode with context-relevant controls. When users need to access broader template customization features, the interface can expand to reveal additional options. This dynamic behavior allows the system to maintain ease of operation while preserving full adaptability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If placeholder elements are automatically detected and presented, then the productivity of template filling is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemplate filling efficiencyVSAvoidinterface structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting and analyzing placeholder elements within the template before presenting data entry forms to the user. The interface pre-processes the template structure, identifies all placeholders that need filling, and organizes them into a coherent data entry workflow. This preliminary analysis and preparation work, performed automatically by the system, enables high productivity while keeping the user-facing interface relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7430718B2Configurable interface for template completion
Publication Date: 2008.09.30 ESW HOLDINGS INC
  • US7430718B2 patent drawing
  • US7430718B2 patent drawing
  • US7430718B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems, methods and graphical user interfaces for creating interactive television applications are provided. A template author creates a template application and assigns placeholder objects do display elements. An episodic creator creates an episodic application by making changes to display elements associated with a presented placeholder object.