Adaptive User Interface for Videoconference Camera Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current user interfaces for devices like gaming consoles and videoconferencing units are overly complex, requiring users to frequently switch attention between the display and remote controls, leading to frustrating interactions.
Innovation Solution
A simple remote control with fewer than 8 inputs, designed for intuitive use without needing to look at the device, paired with user interfaces that adapt to activities and contexts, allowing users to perform tasks efficiently and customize settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex remote control with overloaded functionality is used, then the device can provide comprehensive control capabilities, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring users to look between the display and remote control multiple times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control interface by moving comprehensive control options from the physical remote control to the display interface. The remote control is simplified to basic navigation (directional buttons, OK button), while the display presents contextual menus and control options that adapt to the current state, effectively dividing the control burden between the simple remote and the visual interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The display acts as an intermediary between the simple remote control and the complex device functionality. It translates basic remote inputs into appropriate device actions by presenting contextual menus and control options, mediating between the limited remote capabilities and the comprehensive device control needs.
2Ease of operation
If a simple remote control with fewer inputs is used, then the ease of operation improves by allowing use without visual reference, but the device complexity increases to compensate for the limited inputs
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface dynamically adapts based on the current context, device state, and navigation history. The display presents different menus and control options depending on what is currently selected or active, making the interface flexible and adaptive rather than static, which compensates for the limited remote control inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous visual feedback about the current state, selection, and available options on the display. This feedback mechanism guides users through the control process without requiring them to visually reference the remote control, as the display continuously updates to show where users are in the control hierarchy and what actions are available.
3Productivity
If the user interface is customized and adaptive to activities, then the productivity improves by providing context-aware features, but the device complexity increases to support adaptive behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the current context, device state, and user navigation history to pre-determine what control options and information are most relevant. This preliminary action allows the interface to present customized, context-aware controls before the user needs them, improving efficiency without requiring complex real-time processing during user interaction.
Data Source
AI summary
System and method involving user interfaces and remote control devices. These user interfaces may be particularly useful for providing an intuitive and user friendly interaction between a user and a device or application using a display, e.g., at a “10 foot” interaction level. The user interfaces may be specifically designed for interaction using a simple remote control device having a limited number of inputs. For example, the simple remote control may include directional inputs (e.g., up, down, left, right), a confirmation input (e.g., ok), and possibly a mute input. The user interface may be customized based on current user activity or other contexts (e.g., based on current or previous states), the user logging in (e.g., using a communication device), etc. Additionally, the user interface may allow the user to adjust cameras whose video are not currently displayed, rejoin previously left videoconferences, and/or any of a variety of desirable actions.