Context-Sensitive Wake Interface for Simple Remote Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current user interfaces for devices like videoconferencing units and gaming consoles 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 it, and user interfaces that are context-sensitive and adaptive, allowing for easy customization, rejoining of activities, and camera control, tailored for '10 foot' interaction with larger displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a remote control device has multiple buttons with overloaded functionality, then the device can perform more functions, but the user interface becomes complex and frustrating to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the remote control functionality by providing dedicated buttons for specific functions (camera control, volume, mute) rather than requiring users to navigate through complex menus. Each button has a primary, intuitive function that is immediately recognizable, eliminating the need to look at the remote during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The user interface automatically adapts to the current context (e.g., displaying context-sensitive options based on the active application or screen), reducing the need for users to manually search for functions. The system serves itself by presenting relevant controls without user intervention.
2Ease of operation
If a user interface is designed for '10 foot' interaction with larger displays, then the user can focus on the display, but the remote control must be extremely simple to use from a distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential controls needed for common operations, removing unnecessary buttons and functions from the remote. This leaves a minimal set of buttons (camera, volume, mute, power) that can be operated intuitively from 10 feet away without needing to reference the remote's layout.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control design assigns specific, localized functions to each button based on their position and shape, making each button's purpose immediately recognizable without visual reference. The physical layout encodes the function, allowing operation from a distance.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a device enters sleep mode to conserve energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but the user must manually wake it and may lose context of previous activities
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically preserving the context of the user's previous activity during sleep mode. When awakened, the interface automatically restores the previous state (e.g., the screen that was active, the application being used), eliminating the need for manual re-navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback about the sleep state and wake state, allowing the user to understand what happened during sleep and what is available upon waking. The interface displays context information that helps the user quickly resume their activity without confusion.
Data Source
AI summary
System and method involving user interfaces and remote control devices. More specifically, 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.