Interactive TV Interface Hierarchical Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The proliferation of television channels and increased content complexity make it difficult for users to find desired programming, as existing electronic program guides (EPGs) are limited by screen resolution and lack intuitive navigation tools, especially with the advent of High Definition TV and additional features like VOD and interactive content.
Innovation Solution
A method for providing an interactive user interface with multiple levels of information display, including a data content region and a video data display region, where users can navigate through categories, viewable content items, recorded content, and customizable options, with features like search functionality and user-configurable settings, to enhance navigation and content discovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional EPG interfaces are used with limited screen resolution, then the interface is simple to implement, but the user cannot efficiently navigate large quantities of television programming across hundreds of channels
Solution Approach 1:
The EPG interface is divided into multiple hierarchical levels: first-level entities (e.g., time slots, channel groups), second-level entities (specific channels or programme categories), and third-level entities (individual programmes). This segmentation allows users to navigate large amounts of content systematically without being overwhelmed by the full scope of available programming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces additional navigation dimensions beyond simple channel listing, including time-based navigation (past, present, future programmes), category-based navigation (genres, ratings), and hierarchical drilling down from general to specific content. This multi-dimensional approach enables efficient content discovery across hundreds of channels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more information and functionality are included in the EPG (advertising, programme notes, VOD, interactive content), then the user experience is enhanced, but the screen space becomes insufficient to display all information clearly
Solution Approach 1:
The EPG implements a nested information structure where first-level entities contain second-level entities, which in turn contain third-level entities. For example, a time slot (first level) contains channel groupings (second level), which contain individual programmes (third level). This nesting allows comprehensive information to be organized in a space-efficient manner, revealing details progressively as users navigate deeper into the hierarchy.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface dynamically adjusts the amount and organization of displayed information based on user interactions. When users select specific entities, the system expands to show more detailed information (programme notes, advertising, VOD options). This dynamic behavior allows the limited screen space to adaptively accommodate varying levels of information density without overwhelming the user initially.
3Loss of information
If the EPG displays detailed information for each programme, then users can make informed selections, but the navigation becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The EPG displays essential programme information (titles, times, channels, basic descriptions) in advance at the first and second levels, allowing users to quickly identify content of interest without detailed examination. Only when users select specific programmes do the system reveal additional details (full descriptions, advertising, VOD options), minimizing the time required to navigate and decide what to watch.
Data Source
AI summary
Display features of an interactive user interface for a TV environment allow a user to interact with objects and/or information within a display space.