Interactive User Guide Overlay on Video Stream
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current media distribution systems disrupt the viewing experience by requiring users to interrupt their current video session to browse available content, and they typically present information in a non-graphical, grid-based format.
Innovation Solution
An interactive user guide is displayed as horizontally scrollable ribbons overlaid on the video screen, allowing users to browse content without interrupting the current viewing session, with a master/detail paradigm and additional features like channel control and preferences, implemented in a hardware environment where video decoding and graphics are integrated in a single processor, enabling seamless overlay on various devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a browsing session is overlaid onto the current video viewing session, then users can browse available content without interrupting the viewing session, but the graphical interface complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the video decoding function and graphics rendering function into a single processor system. The processor simultaneously decodes the video stream and generates the graphical user interface elements (ribbons, tiles, content information), merging what would traditionally be separate hardware components into one integrated unit, thereby reducing overall hardware complexity while enabling the overlay browsing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The processor is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a video decoder for the current viewing session and a graphics rendering engine for generating the overlay browsing interface. This multi-functional approach allows a single device to handle both video playback and interactive browsing without requiring dedicated separate hardware for each function
2Manufacturing precision
If the video frame size is maintained without shrinking or stretching, then the viewing quality is preserved, but the available screen space for displaying browsing information is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional full-screen video display to a multi-dimensional layout where the video occupies the main viewing area and browsing information is arranged in horizontal ribbons at the bottom of the screen. This dimensional reorganization allows both full-resolution video and browsing content to coexist by utilizing different spatial zones within the same screen real estate
Solution Approach 2:
The screen is segmented into distinct functional zones: the upper portion displays the full-resolution video content while the lower portion contains horizontally scrollable ribbons with browsing information. This segmentation allows the video frame to maintain its original size and aspect ratio without being shrunk or stretched, while still providing dedicated space for interactive browsing elements
3Loss of information
If a grid-based textual guide is displayed, then information is presented in a structured format, but the visual appeal and user engagement are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional grid-based textual guide by changing its visual parameters: instead of static text in a grid, it uses horizontally scrollable ribbons with graphical tiles that include images, titles, and metadata. This parameter change from text-only to rich media elements enhances visual appeal while maintaining information organization through the ribbon structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the static, mechanical grid layout with a dynamic ribbon-based system that can be horizontally scrolled. This substitution transforms the rigid textual grid into a more flexible, visually engaging interface that maintains information hierarchy while significantly improving graphical appeal and user interaction
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for superimposing a program guide browser onto a video stream. The method includes receiving a request from the client while media content is displayed at the host; in response to the request, transmitting a user interface (UI) to the client; and displaying the UI at the client without interrupting the displayed media content; wherein the UI comprises a horizontally scrollable ribbon. Additional or alternate features may be provided as desired.