Handheld Device Automatic Remote Control Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional handheld information processing devices are not convenient for casual use as remote control units for tasks like volume control or channel changing, as they require manual switching to a remote control mode.
Innovation Solution
A handheld information processing device with a processing circuit that automatically switches to a remote control mode after a predetermined time of inactivity, allowing it to transmit remote control signals without user intervention, and is configured to respond only to remote control commands, ensuring energy efficiency and location-based operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the device requires manual switching to remote control mode, then the normal operating mode can be maintained with full functionality, but the ease of operation deteriorates for casual remote control tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically switches between normal operating mode and remote control mode based on user activity detection. The processing circuit automatically transitions modes without manual intervention, making the device adaptive to usage context while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The device serves itself by automatically detecting inactivity and switching to remote control mode without requiring user intervention. The system monitors its own usage state and autonomously adjusts its operational mode, eliminating the need for manual switching
2Ease of operation
If the device automatically switches to remote control mode after inactivity, then the ease of operation for casual use improves, but the loss of time for mode switching increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary mode switching automatically after detecting a predetermined period of inactivity. By anticipating the user's likely intent to use the device as a remote control, the system proactively transitions modes before the user needs to manually switch, eliminating switching delay
Solution Approach 2:
The processing circuit continuously monitors user input activity and uses this feedback to automatically trigger mode transitions. The system responds to the absence of user input by switching modes, creating a feedback loop that eliminates manual switching time
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device responds to all user controls with information processing operations, then the functionality for normal tasks is maintained, but the adaptability for remote control scenarios deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically changes its response behavior based on operational mode. In remote control mode, user control activations trigger remote control signal transmission instead of information processing operations, allowing the same hardware to reliably serve different functional purposes
Data Source
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AI summary
A handheld information processing device such as a mobile telephone or portable computer has a normal operating mode in which it executes information processing operations in response to user activation of user controls from the user control interface. Furthermore, the device has a remote control signal transmitter coupled to its processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to switch automatically to a remote control mode when no user activation of the user controls has been detected for a predetermined time duration. In an embodiment handheld information processing device switches to the remote control mode only if it is within a predetermined range of spatial locations after the time duration. In the remote control mode the processing circuit responds user activation of the user controls substantially only by causing the remote control signal transmitter to transmit conventional remote control command signals to equipment like TVs, recorders etc.