Zoomable GUI Control Framework for Media Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current media selection interfaces are cumbersome and complex, failing to efficiently manage and scale with increasing media options, leading to user frustration and hindering the adoption of new services.
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 animations to navigate media items on a virtual surface, allowing easy selection and launch of media items across various devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of buttons on the remote control is increased to support additional functionality and content handling, then the functionality and versatility of the system is improved, but the complexity of the interface and the time required for a viewer to review available information increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-based interface with a graphical user interface that uses visual elements (icons, images, text) displayed on a screen. Users interact with media items through visual selection rather than physical buttons, allowing unlimited functionality without increasing physical complexity. The system substitutes mechanical control elements with visual information processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional button press interface to a two-dimensional graphical interface with visual elements arranged on a screen. This dimensional change allows the system to present multiple media items and functions simultaneously in a spatial arrangement that can be navigated visually, greatly increasing capacity without linearly increasing complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If the number of rows and columns in the printed guide is increased to accommodate more channels, then the quantity of available media information is improved, but the time required for a viewer to review available information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static printed guide with a dynamic electronic display that can present media information in multiple formats simultaneously. The system uses visual elements such as thumbnails, icons, and text that can be scanned quickly and searched interactively, replacing the linear reading process of printed guides with parallel visual processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-organizes media information in a structured visual format on the display screen, allowing users to immediately see and access information without having to search through extensive printed guides. The system presents a summarized view of available content that can be quickly scanned and navigated, performing the organization action before the user needs to access specific information.
3Ease of operation
If a traditional multi-button remote control is used, then the ease of operation is maintained through familiar controls, but the productivity of media selection is reduced due to the cumbersome nature of the interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing operation with visual selection through a graphical interface. Users can navigate and select media items by viewing and interacting with visual elements on a display, which can be done more quickly and efficiently than pressing multiple buttons, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining ease of use through intuitive visual interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual representations (icons, images, text) as copies or representations of media items on the display screen. These visual copies allow users to identify and select desired content without needing to physically manipulate controls for each item, enabling faster selection through visual recognition rather than sequential button pressing.
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.