Television Search Assistant Category Ranking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in composing queries for online television guides that return accurate and focused results due to the large number of programs listed, and existing services often only allow searching by title, not by channels or cast members.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that provide search assistance by receiving network search queries, selecting and ranking suggested search terms categorized by channels, program titles, and cast members, and transmitting a consolidated result set to users, allowing them to conduct targeted searches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If users search in a large number of programs listed in online television guides, then the coverage of search results is comprehensive, but it becomes difficult to compose a query that returns accurate and focused results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large set of programs into multiple categories (e.g., by channel, by cast member, by program type). Instead of presenting all programs in a single undifferentiated list, the system divides them into organized groups, allowing users to navigate and search within specific categories. This segmentation reduces the cognitive load and helps users compose more accurate queries by focusing on relevant subsets of programs.
2Device complexity
If existing services only provide the ability to search titles, then the search function is simple, but users cannot search for channels or cast members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal search interface that can handle multiple search types (by title, by channel, by cast member) through a single unified system. The category-based suggestion system provides a common framework that adapts to different search needs, allowing users to search for any type of content using the same interface and interaction model, thereby increasing versatility without significantly increasing complexity.
3Quantity of substance
If the system presents all suggested search terms to users, then the completeness of search options is high, but the information overload makes it difficult for users to find desired content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the suggested search terms into distinct categories (e.g., channels, cast members, program titles) and presents them in an organized, hierarchical structure. Users can navigate through categories to find relevant search terms, rather than being presented with a flat, overwhelming list. This categorical organization reduces information overload by allowing users to focus on one category at a time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a categorical dimension to the presentation of search terms. Instead of displaying all suggested terms in a single linear list, the system organizes them in a multi-dimensional structure where terms are grouped by category. This additional organizational dimension helps users navigate and filter the information more effectively, reducing the perceived complexity of the interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A television guide search query is received from a user. A plurality of suggested search terms are selected. Each of the plurality of suggested search terms is assigned to, and is ranked within, one of a plurality of categories A number of suggested search terms to be returned to the user, nc, is determined for each of the plurality of categories, nc being equal to a ratio of the number of suggested search terms in the respective category to a total number of suggested search terms multiplied by a total number of displayed search terms. A result set is created by adding, for each of the plurality of categories, the top ranked nc suggested search terms to the result set. The result set is transmitted to the user. A selection of a search term is received from the user and is used to conduct a television guide search.