Video Programming Guide Interface with Conflict Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern television viewing systems face information overload due to numerous channels and recorded content, with current programming guide systems being cumbersome and inefficient in providing quick access to pertinent viewing information, especially with ambiguities in search features and cluttered displays.
Innovation Solution
An automated method and apparatus for displaying video programming guide information, using filtering rules to prioritize and organize viewing events chronologically, with a dual-screen interface for easy navigation and conflict resolution, allowing users to select events and view detailed information without obscuring the main grid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If more channels and recorded content are made available, then viewing options increase, but information overload increases making it difficult for users to find pertinent content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and filters pertinent viewing events from the complete program guide data by applying user-defined criteria (channel preferences, time periods, content types). This extraction process isolates relevant information from the overwhelming amount of available programming data, presenting only what matches user interests and reducing information overload while maintaining access to diverse viewing options.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the program guide display into multiple organized sections (e.g., by channel, by time period, by content category) and allows users to navigate through these segments using interactive controls. This segmentation breaks down the massive information set into manageable portions, making it easier for users to find pertinent content without being overwhelmed by the total volume of available programming.
2Quantity of substance
If a grid-based display is used to show all viewing events, then comprehensive information is provided, but user interaction becomes cumbersome and search features become ambiguous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic display system that adapts the program guide presentation based on user interactions and preferences. The interface can dynamically filter, sort, and reorganize viewing events based on user selections, making the system responsive to user needs rather than static. This dynamic behavior simplifies interaction by automatically adjusting the display to show only relevant content based on user actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary filtering and sorting mechanism between the comprehensive program guide data and the user interface display. This intermediary layer processes the raw data according to user-defined criteria and presents pre-organized information, reducing the complexity of direct user interaction with the complete dataset and eliminating ambiguous search requirements.
3Loss of information
If detailed program information is displayed in the grid, then comprehensive viewing guidance is provided, but the display becomes cluttered and hard to read
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments detailed program information into separate display layers or panels. The main grid display shows summarized event information (time, channel, program name) while detailed descriptions, cast lists, and plot summaries are available in separate expandable sections or adjacent panels. This segmentation prevents clutter in the primary view while maintaining access to comprehensive information through organized, hierarchical display structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes additional display dimensions (vertical expansion, horizontal panels, pop-up windows) to accommodate detailed program information without cluttering the primary time-channel grid layout. By moving detailed information to separate dimensional spaces that can be accessed on demand, the system maintains a clean, readable main display while preserving comprehensive information availability through spatial organization rather than crowding.
4Ease of operation
If users must select grid portions and press enter to view details, then navigation control is provided, but the program guide becomes obscured or blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested display structure where detailed program information is contained within expandable sections or pop-up panels that overlay or expand from the main grid without completely obscuring it. Users can navigate by selecting grid portions and pressing enter, but the program guide remains partially visible through transparent overlays or collapsible side panels, allowing continuous reference to the overall schedule while accessing detailed information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses additional display dimensions (vertical panels, sidebars, pop-up windows) to present detailed program information without blocking the main grid view. The detailed information appears in supplementary spatial layers that can be opened or closed without obscuring the primary time-channel layout, maintaining navigation control while preserving program guide visibility through multi-dimensional display architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A method apparatus for automated display video programming guide information includes filtering programming information using filtering rules to determine viewing events of interest to a user. The method and apparatus further includes displaying on a first screen portion, the viewing events in a chronological order based on a display time for each of the viewing events. The method and apparatus further includes displaying a selector in the first screen portion such that the selector is operative to select one of the viewing events and displaying on a second screen portion, event information relating to a selected one of the plurality viewing events when the selector is proximate to one of the viewing events. The method and apparatus further includes resolving a scheduling conflict between a first viewing event and second viewing event to generate a list of program guide information.