Single-Button Video Track Switching Without On-Screen Graphics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DVD playback systems are cumbersome and confusing for users to switch between multiple synchronized video tracks due to the need for dedicated buttons and lack of standardization, leading to user confusion and interruption in media playback.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows single-button switching between video tracks without on-screen graphics or visual indicators, by modifying the DVD object file to enable desired functionality and control information processing in the playback device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated buttons are used for selecting video tracks, then track selection capability is provided, but user confusion and operation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The enter button, originally designed for single function, is made multi-functional to serve both as a general confirmation button and as a video track selection button. When a video track is available, pressing enter switches between tracks; otherwise, it performs its original function. This eliminates the need for dedicated track selection buttons while maintaining full track selection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding dedicated buttons for track selection (adding controls), the invention inverts the approach by making an existing button perform track selection. The enter button's function is dynamically inverted based on context: it selects tracks when needed, and performs original functions when track selection is not applicable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple video tracks are stored on DVD, then viewing flexibility is improved, but playback continuity may be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-loading multiple video tracks into buffer memory before they are needed for playback. When the user presses enter to switch tracks, the selected track is already buffered and ready for immediate playback, eliminating interruptions and maintaining continuous playback experience.
3Adaptability or versatility
If DVD players interpret multi-angle feature differently, then device versatility is increased, but interface standardization is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The enter button serves multiple functions universally across all DVD players: general confirmation, track selection, and menu navigation. This universal multi-functionality creates a standardized interface that works consistently across different players, eliminating the need for player-specific interpretations of track selection.
Data Source
AI summary
A single control allows selection and display of different video sequences from a DVD. No screen graphics are necessary to assist the user with operation, such as to show which buttons correspond to which sequences. A dedicated control, such as a button on a DVD player or television remote control device, is used to switch between two possible video tracks, or to otherwise select among multiple video tracks. Full-screen video tracks can be displayed without the need for visual indicators, such as thumbnail images, to identify selectable video tracks associated with different controls. Another aspect of the invention allows for modification of control information, such as navigation information, within a playback device.