Dual-Use Remote Control with Optical Sensor and Keypad
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote-control devices lack a dual-use functionality that efficiently allows cursor control on displays using both keypad input and sensor-based movement, limiting their versatility in controlling various media devices and user interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A dual-use remote-control device equipped with a keypad on one side and a sensor on the opposite side, capable of controlling cursor movement on displays, and featuring a QWERTY keyboard for expanded text input, which can switch modes based on orientation and user interface requirements, establishing master-slave relationships with media devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a remote-control device is designed with only keypad input controls, then the device structure remains simple, but the versatility in controlling various media devices and user interfaces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The remote-control device integrates both a keypad and a sensor (optical, capacitive, or resistive touch sensor) into a single device, enabling it to perform multiple functions: traditional keypad button presses and touch-based cursor control. This multi-functionality allows the device to adapt to different control scenarios, including navigating graphical user interfaces that require cursor movement while maintaining compatibility with devices that rely on keypad input.
2Ease of operation
If a remote-control device adds a sensor for cursor control, then the versatility and user interaction capabilities are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the keypad and sensor into a single integrated remote-control device. The sensor is positioned on the same device body as the keypad, allowing both input methods to work together seamlessly. This merging eliminates the need for separate devices for different control methods and enables flexible switching between control modes based on the target device and user preference.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote-control device dynamically adapts its functionality based on the target device and user interface requirements. The system can switch between keypad mode and sensor-based cursor control mode, and can also establish master-slave relationships with media devices. This dynamic behavior allows the device to optimize its operation for different scenarios, enhancing ease of use while managing complexity through intelligent control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the remote-control device supports multiple control modes, then the adaptability to different device and interface types is improved, but the control logic and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The remote-control device pre-establishes a library of control modes and interaction patterns, including keypad control, sensor-based cursor control, and master-slave relationships with various media devices. This preliminary preparation allows the device to quickly switch between modes without requiring complex real-time decision-making, as the possible states and transitions are predetermined and optimized.
Data Source
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AI summary
Various embodiments provide a dual use remote-control device. In one embodiment, a dual use remote-control device may include a first set of input controls such as buttons positioned on a top side of the housing, a second set of input controls positioned on a bottom side of the housing including a QWERTY keyboard and an optical sensor to remotely control movement of a cursor on a display by the optical sensor detecting movement of a user's finger across the optical sensor or movement of the optical sensor across an object such as a table, arm of a chair or user's lap. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.