Variable Scaling Factor for TV User Interface Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Television screens, being larger and farther away from users than non-television devices, pose challenges in displaying user interface objects due to differences in screen size and distance, leading to unreasonably large or small interface elements that are difficult to interact with.
Innovation Solution
Implementing methods and systems that use variable scaling factors to render user interface objects on television screens, adjusting their size based on the distance between the user and the screen to maintain a consistent and recognizable interface, while ensuring the angle occupied by the objects remains substantially the same as on smaller devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If user interface objects are displayed at standard sizes on television screens, then the interface elements become too large and occupy excessive screen real estate, but if they are displayed at smaller sizes, then they become difficult to recognize and interact with from a distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the scaling factor adjustable and variable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts the size of user interface objects based on user preferences, device characteristics, and environmental factors, allowing the interface to adapt to different viewing conditions and distances while optimizing both screen real estate utilization and recognizability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the size parameter of user interface objects by applying scaling factors. These scaling factors modify the original dimensions of interface elements, transforming them to appropriate sizes for television display. The system varies parameters such as object size, spacing, and layout density to resolve the contradiction between maintaining recognizability and preserving screen real estate
2Ease of operation
If user interface objects are scaled up to be visible from a distance, then they become easily recognizable, but the available screen real estate for other content is excessively reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of various interface elements. Different user interface objects may apply different scaling factors based on their importance, type, and position. Critical interactive elements receive larger scaling for recognizability, while less important elements use smaller scaling factors, thereby maintaining overall screen real estate availability while ensuring key elements remain visible and actionable from a distance
3Device complexity
If a fixed scaling factor is used for all user interface objects, then the implementation is simple, but the interface cannot adapt to different viewing distances and screen characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static to dynamic scaling by introducing adjustable scaling factors that respond to user input and device characteristics. The scaling mechanism becomes adaptive, allowing the interface to transform based on viewing distance, screen resolution, and user preferences, thereby achieving versatility without excessive complexity through systematic parameter adjustment
4Manufacturing precision
If user interface objects are designed for close viewing on small devices, then they appear clear and interactive, but they appear too small and difficult to interact with on large television screens viewed from a distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically adjusting the size parameters of user interface objects through scaling factors. These scaling transformations modify the original design parameters to suit television display characteristics, ensuring that interface elements maintain sufficient visual clarity and interactability when viewed from typical television viewing distances, while preserving the underlying design integrity
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for rendering one or more user interface objects on a television screen is disclosed. The method is performed at a computer system coupled with the television screen. The method includes receiving a request for rendering a user interface object, and identifying a variable scaling factor. The variable scaling factor is determined in accordance with a distance parameter corresponding to a distance between a respective user and the television screen. The method also includes rendering the user interface object on the television screen in accordance with the variable scaling factor while maintaining a display of a television program on the television screen based on a fixed scaling factor.