Bi-modal Button Control for Compact Portable Digital TV
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable digital television devices face space constraints due to the need for a large number of buttons for navigation, channel changing, and interactive applications, requiring either extensive physical space or a separate remote control.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a bi-modal operation for navigational and channel/volume changing button arrangements, where buttons change color to indicate mode shifts from normal to interactive application mode, allowing nine buttons to serve multiple functions instead of fourteen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fourteen buttons are provided for navigation, channel changing, and interactive applications, then all required functions are available, but the device occupies extensive physical space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling buttons to operate in two modes: a first mode for traditional navigation and channel/volume control, and a second mode for interactive application control. The controller switches between these modes based on received signals, allowing the same physical buttons to serve multiple purposes and reduce the total button count from fourteen to nine.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the button functionality changeable rather than fixed. The illuminating means dynamically changes the apparent color of buttons to indicate the current operational mode, and the controller dynamically switches between interpreting button presses as navigation commands or interactive application commands based on the current mode state.
2Area of stationary object
If nine buttons are used with bi-modal operation, then physical space is reduced, but the system complexity increases due to mode switching mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an illuminating means as an intermediary element that provides visual feedback about the current operational mode by changing the apparent color of buttons. This mediator helps users understand which mode is active without adding physical complexity, as the mode indication is achieved through optical rather than mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes in the illuminating means to indicate different operational modes. The illuminating means is configured to make buttons appear in different colors depending on the current mode, providing an intuitive visual distinction between the first mode (navigation/channel control) and the second mode (interactive application control).
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces the physical space required for user interfaces, enabling a more compact portable digital TV design while maintaining functionality across modes.
Implementation Method 1
a device for generating a control signal, means for illuminating the device, and a controller having a first mode of operation wherein the controller interprets the control signal as a first signal, and having a second mode of operation wherein the controller activates the illuminating means and interprets the control signal as a second signal different from the first signal
Data Source
AI summary
A portable digital television (DTV) comprises a processor, a channel and volume changing button arrangement, and a navigational button arrangement. Either or both button arrangements can be used in at least a bi-modal operation. In a first mode of operation, the button arrangements provide their normal functions, and in the second mode of operation, the button arrangements provide an interactive application interface to the user. Preferably, one of the two button arrangements is selected for the bi-modal operation. The selected button arrangement is associated with at least an optical element for lighting the button arrangement. The controller operates the optical element such that the selected button arrangement has one color in one mode of operation and has a different color in the other mode of operation.