TV Program Table Re-numbering via Dual-List Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for re-numbering radio-television programs are cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring users to manually search through large lists of programs to find and reassign specific programs, often based on criteria that do not align with user preferences, such as alphabetical order or broadcaster grouping.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that display two lists on a screen, allowing users to select and reassign program numbers by modifying alphanumeric labels within a range, facilitating easy re-ordering of programs based on preferred sorting criteria without changing the underlying data, using a flow chart and command-based interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually search through numerically sorted program lists to find and reassign programs, then program renumbering can be achieved, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second sorting dimension (alphabetic order by program name) alongside the traditional numeric sorting. Users can switch between these sorting dimensions to locate programs more efficiently. Instead of searching through 300-500 programs in numeric order, users can alphabetically sort by program name to quickly identify target programs for renumbering, dramatically reducing the time required to find and reassign programs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If programs are sorted by LCN (Logical Channel Numbering), then automatic program management is simplified, but users cannot easily re-sort programs by broadcaster or other criteria
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic sorting capability where the sorting criterion can be changed by the user at will. The system transitions from a static LCN-based sorting to a dynamic multi-criteria sorting system. Users can switch between numeric sorting (LCN), alphabetic sorting (program name), and potentially other sorting criteria. This dynamic adaptability allows users to reorganize programs according to their preferences without requiring complex manual reconfiguration, as the system provides built-in flexibility to change sorting dimensions on demand.
3Ease of operation
If users directly set new program numbers using numeric keypad, then renumbering is possible, but users must know the target number beforehand and check for conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system automatically checks and informs users about program number availability and conflicts. When users attempt to assign a program number, the system provides feedback about whether that number is already in use or available. This eliminates the need for users to manually check for conflicts beforehand, as the system handles the verification and communicates the status back to the user, making the renumbering process more intuitive and error-free.
4Quantity of substance
If the number of broadcast programs increases to 300-500 programs, then more content is available, but manual browsing and renumbering becomes increasingly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the complexity of managing large program lists (300-500 programs) by introducing alternative sorting dimensions. Instead of requiring users to manually browse through hundreds of programs in numeric order, the system allows alphabetic sorting by program name, enabling users to quickly locate specific programs even in large datasets. This multi-dimensional organization approach scales effectively with increasing program quantities, maintaining ease of operation regardless of list size.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described for re-determining, in a television apparatus, a program table including associations between alphanumeric labels and radio-television programs, each one of the alphanumeric labels indicating a string of characters that must be selected by the user in order to activate the reproduction of one of the radio-television programs associated therewith, the method including the steps of biunivocally associating with each radio-television program in the table an alphanumeric label comprising a numeric part; allowing at least a first list and a second list to be simultaneously displayed on a screen, both including identification data of the radio-television programs obtained from the program table, the radio-television programs being sorted in the lists according to sorting criteria; selecting a first program from the first list of programs sorted according to a first sorting criterion, the first program being associated with a first alphanumeric label; selecting a second program from the second list of programs sorted according to a second sorting criterion, the second program being associated with a second alphanumeric label; and modifying the value of the first alphanumeric label of the first program with an alphanumeric label value comprised in the range delimited by the value of the second alphanumeric label, extreme included, and by the value of the alphanumeric label, extreme excluded, which immediately precedes the second alphanumeric label in the second list.