Interactive Map Interface for TV Content Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current television user interfaces (TV UIs) are limited by grid-based layouts, requiring users to navigate using directional controls, leading to a tedious and time-consuming experience with limited context for content organization and memorization.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for interactive navigation using a remote controller that allows users to point, zoom, and pan on a display screen, organizing content in a radial distribution based on category relevance, with customizable categories and AI-driven recommendations, providing visual feedback and pop-up information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If grid-based layout is used for content organization, then content can be systematically categorized, but user navigation becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional grid-based navigation to a map-based interface where content is organized spatially with hierarchical levels. Users can zoom in and out to navigate between different levels of content categories, transforming the navigation experience from linear scrolling to spatial exploration, thereby reducing navigation time and improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested hierarchical levels within the map interface, where clicking or zooming into a category reveals sub-categories and specific content items. This nested structure allows users to navigate from broad categories to specific content efficiently, reducing the time required to locate desired content while maintaining systematic organization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If directional control pad is used for navigation, then simple control structure is maintained, but interaction flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the remote control device multi-functional by enabling pointing operations, zooming, and panning capabilities in addition to traditional directional control. This allows a single device to handle both simple directional navigation and complex map-based interactions, increasing interaction flexibility without requiring multiple specialized controllers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic interaction modes where the remote control can switch between different operational states (pointing, zooming, panning) based on user actions and system context. The interface adapts to user needs by providing different interaction modes for different navigation scenarios, enhancing flexibility while keeping the control structure manageable.
3Loss of information
If grid-based UI is used, then consistent layout structure is provided, but context for memorization and orientation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the flat grid structure into a multi-dimensional map interface with hierarchical levels accessible through zooming. This spatial representation provides users with contextual information about content relationships and their position within the overall structure, aiding memorization and orientation while maintaining a consistent and manageable interface through standardized map elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements visual feedback mechanisms in the map interface, such as highlighting selected categories, showing zoom levels, and displaying contextual information about content relationships. This feedback provides users with orientation context and helps them understand their position within the content hierarchy, reducing information loss while keeping the interface structure consistent and learnable.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for displaying digital content in an interactive navigation interface is provided. The method includes: displaying a plurality of top-level category groups on a display screen; receiving a user pointing operation selecting one of the top-level category groups from a remote controller; providing visual feedback for the selected top-level category group; and in response to a zoom-in operation on the selected top-level category group received from the remote controller, displaying a plurality of digital content objects within the selected top-level category group.