Unified Video Player GUI with Thumbnail Previews and Personalized Search

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing video playback systems over the internet face issues with software compatibility, resource consumption, convenience, and personalization, including proprietary software incompatibility, the need for multiple programs, inconvenient hyperlink navigation, and the lack of personalized video searching.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for playing video using a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows users to search, retrieve, and play video directly on a computer, featuring thumbnail images for previewing content, customizable controls, and efficient buffering for streaming or downloading, without requiring separate video programs, and personalized video recommendations based on user profiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If proprietary video programs are used for playing video, then video playback functionality is achieved, but software compatibility problems occur and additional software must be purchased or downloaded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo playback functionalityVSAvoidsoftware compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal video player that can play multiple video formats (AVI, MP4, MOV, WMV, FLV) within a single application interface. The player integrates playback, search, and retrieval functions that work across different video sources including local files and online streaming, eliminating the need for multiple proprietary programs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate programs are used for searching and playing video, then video playback is achieved, but computer resources are unnecessarily consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo playback capabilityVSAvoidcomputer resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines video search, retrieval, and playback functions into a single integrated application. The unified interface allows users to search for videos, retrieve them from online sources, and play them back without switching between multiple programs, thereby reducing CPU usage, memory consumption, and overall system resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If traditional hyperlink navigation is used for finding video, then video retrieval is possible, but user convenience deteriorates due to time loss in clicking links and navigating pop-up windows

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo retrieval capabilityVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent displays thumbnail previews of videos before the user commits to downloading or playing them. The interface shows multiple video thumbnails with metadata information, allowing users to preview content and make informed selections without navigating through multiple hyperlinks or pop-up windows. This preliminary display action saves user time and improves convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If generic video search programs are used, then video searching is possible, but personalization is lost requiring repeated input of search criteria

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo search capabilityVSAvoidpersonalization
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a personalized search system that learns from user viewing history and preferences. The interface maintains user profiles that automatically adjust search criteria based on previously viewed videos and expressed preferences. This feedback mechanism allows the system to anticipate user needs and present relevant video recommendations without requiring repeated manual input of search criteria.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9176643B2Method and system for playing video
Publication Date: 2015.11.03 ADEIA MEDIA HOLDINGS INC
  • US9176643B2 patent drawing
  • US9176643B2 patent drawing
  • US9176643B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and system for playing video on a graphical user interface (GUI) that provides a singular user interface for searching, retrieving, and playing video available over a network from a server.