Episode List Alignment for Webtoon Content Navigation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing webtoon service systems do not provide users with intuitive methods to check the attributes and availability of content, making it difficult for users to navigate and access updated content conveniently.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that aligns episode lists based on content type, with completed content displayed in chronological order and ongoing content in reverse chronological order, along with providing information on use rights for each episode, allowing users to easily identify available content and access updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If episode lists are displayed in a uniform manner for all content types, then the system is simple to implement, but users cannot intuitively distinguish between completed and ongoing content

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUser ability to intuitively check content attributesVSAvoidEpisode list alignment logic

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by displaying episode lists in different alignment orders based on the specific content type. Completed content is displayed in chronological order (oldest first) while ongoing content is displayed in reverse chronological order (newest first). This localized differentiation allows users to intuitively understand content status without complex additional indicators, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If all episodes are displayed together without distinction, then the display is simple, but users cannot easily identify which episodes are available for viewing

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUser ability to identify available episodesVSAvoidInformation on episode availability and use rights

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses visual differentiation (analogous to color changes) by applying distinct display treatments to episodes based on their availability status and use rights. Episodes that are available for viewing are displayed with one visual style, while episodes requiring additional actions (such as purchase or waiting) are displayed with different visual styles. This allows users to quickly identify available episodes without losing important information about episode status.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Loss of information

If the system provides detailed information on use rights for each episode, then users can make informed viewing decisions, but the interface becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveInformation on content use rightsVSAvoidInterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the display of episode lists with use right information into a unified interface. Instead of separating episode navigation from rights information, the system integrates both pieces of information in the same display area, allowing users to see both the episode sequence and their viewing rights simultaneously. This integration provides comprehensive information while maintaining interface simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11490162B2Method and system for providing contents

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 NAVER WEBTOON LTD

AI summary

A method for providing contents includes receiving a selection request for specific contents, from an electronic device; and providing, to the electronic device, an episode list of a plurality of episodes which constitute the specific contents, based on the selection request for the specific contents.