Zoomable GUI for Media Navigation with 3D Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current media selection interfaces are cumbersome and complex, failing to efficiently manage and scale with the increasing number of media items, leading to a slow and difficult user experience, especially with integrated communication devices.
Innovation Solution
A control framework employing a 3D pointing device with minimal buttons and a scroll wheel, combined with a graphical user interface that uses zooming and semantic zooming to navigate media items on a virtual surface, providing easy and rapid selection through images and animations, allowing users to zoom in and out for detailed information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of buttons on remote control devices is increased to support additional functionality and content handling, then the functionality and adaptability of the system is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-based control system with a graphical user interface system that uses a mouse for selection. This substitution eliminates the need for numerous physical buttons while maintaining full functionality through visual interaction, directly resolving the contradiction between functionality and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a graphical user interface as an intermediary layer between the user and the media system. This interface provides intuitive visual representations and selections, mediating the interaction to simplify operation while maintaining access to all system functions
2Quantity of substance
If the number of rows and columns in printed guides is increased to accommodate more channels, then the quantity of information is improved, but the time required for a viewer to review available information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static printed guide into a dynamic electronic system that can automatically update, search, and filter information. The interface dynamically adjusts what information is displayed based on user interactions and system state, enabling quick access to relevant content without manually reviewing extensive lists
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the traditional guide system but enhances it with interactive capabilities. The electronic interface provides the same information organization structure while adding search, filter, and quick-access features that dramatically reduce the time needed to find desired content
3Device complexity
If a traditional multi-button remote control interface is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and speed of media selection decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical remote control system with a graphical interface system controlled by a mouse. This substitution maintains simple device architecture while dramatically improving selection speed through visual interaction and intuitive navigation
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods according to the present invention provide a control framework for organizing, selecting and launching media items including graphical user interfaces coupled with an optional 3D control device for collection of the basic control primitives of point, click, scroll, hover and zoom which permit for easy and rapid selection of media items, e.g., movies, songs etc., from large or small collections. The remote control maps natural hand movements and gestures into relevant commands while the graphical display uses images, zooming for increased/decreased levels of detail and continuity of GUI objects to provide easy organization, selection and navigation among the media items by a user.