Dual-User Interface for Multi-Room Media Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multimedia systems in homes face complexity in user interfaces, making it difficult for users to intuitively control audio volume and other parameters across multiple rooms with existing remote controls or apps, which often concentrate more features into a single interface without simplification.
Innovation Solution
A remote control apparatus featuring a dual-user interface setup, where an interactive touch screen display provides visual indicators for rooms, and a distinct adjustment element, such as a rotating wheel or sliding track, allows users to adjust audio levels using two fingers, one to select the room and the other to adjust the volume, enhancing intuitive operation and simplifying control across multiple rooms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single user interface concentrates multiple control features into one interface, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased complexity and difficulty in intuitive control
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is divided into two distinct parts: a first user interface (touch screen display) for selecting rooms and media content, and a second user interface (adjustment element) for controlling audio parameters. This segmentation allows each interface to specialize in specific functions, making the system easier to operate despite controlling multiple rooms and devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the control interface by arranging two user interfaces side by side rather than stacking functions vertically. The first interface handles room selection and content display, while the second interface handles audio control, creating a horizontal workflow that improves intuitiveness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control functions are integrated into a single interface, then device versatility is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to increased complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two functional interfaces: the first interface (touch screen) handles room selection and media content display, while the second interface (adjustment element) handles audio parameter control. This segmentation maintains versatility for controlling multiple rooms while improving user-friendliness through specialized controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment element on the second interface is designed to be universal for controlling audio parameters across all rooms and devices. The same rotational or sliding mechanism works for volume control, bass, and treble adjustments regardless of which room or device is selected on the first interface.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling a plurality of devices with loudspeaker located in various rooms of a dwelling. The apparatus comprises a panel (1) with first user interface (2) and a second user interface (3) arranged side by side. The first user interface (2) comprises an interactive touch screen display with an indicator (11) for each room that contains an electronic device. The second user interface (3) comprises an adjustment element, for example a rotating wheel or a finger track indicator (8), for adjusting the audio level in a room in response to a correspondingly finger moving action on the second user interface (3). The audio level in a room is adjusted by the user holding one finger tip on the indicator (11) for that room while another finger is simultaneously moved on the second user interface (3).