Jog Switch Multi-Function Control for Display Remotes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional remote controls for display devices, such as smart TVs and IPTVs, are cluttered with numerous buttons, making it difficult for users to recognize and utilize the necessary functions due to the inclusion of many unnecessary buttons, and existing solutions like jog switches with limited directional manipulation are inadequate for controlling cursor movement and gaming operations.

Innovation Solution

A remote control apparatus featuring a jog switch allowing 360-degree direction manipulation and multiple buttons, where a single key is assigned a primary function and at least one multi-key is assigned dual functions, with the ability to switch between these functions based on user input and preset thresholds, allowing the jog switch to operate as a control key, direction key, or cursor key depending on the device mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a remote control includes many buttons for different functions, then the device can control more functions, but the interface becomes cluttered and difficult to use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction control capabilityVSAvoidinterface usability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The jog switch is designed to perform multiple functions depending on the operational mode: it serves as a direction key for menu navigation, a cursor key for webpage browsing, a control key for broadcasting, and a game controller. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate buttons for each function, reducing interface clutter while maintaining comprehensive control capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The function of the jog switch dynamically changes based on the current operational mode of the display device. The system automatically adapts the jog switch's role according to whether the device is in menu mode, web browser mode, broadcasting mode, or game mode, allowing a single component to serve multiple purposes without confusion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a jog switch is used to reduce button count, then the number of buttons decreases, but the manipulation is limited to up, down, left, and right directions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebutton countVSAvoidmanipulation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The jog switch is designed to perform multiple functions depending on the operational mode: it serves as a direction key for menu navigation, a cursor key for webpage browsing, a control key for broadcasting, and a game controller. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate buttons for each function, reducing interface clutter while maintaining comprehensive control capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The jog switch incorporates both directional movement capabilities (X and Y axes) and push functionality (Z axis), adding a vertical dimension to the otherwise planar control interface. This enables the single component to replace multiple buttons by utilizing spatial dimensions efficiently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If multiple buttons are provided for different functions, then all functions can be accessed directly, but the remote control size and structure become complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction accessibilityVSAvoidremote control structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The jog switch is designed to perform multiple functions depending on the operational mode: it serves as a direction key for menu navigation, a cursor key for webpage browsing, a control key for broadcasting, and a game controller. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate buttons for each function, reducing interface clutter while maintaining comprehensive control capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple control functions that would traditionally require separate buttons are merged into a single jog switch component. The directional movements, push actions, and mode-specific operations are all integrated into one physical element, significantly simplifying the remote control structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2672723B1Remote control apparatus and method for controlling functions of display apparatuses
Publication Date: 2019.05.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2672723B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2672723B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2672723B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A remote control apparatus and method for controlling a function of a display apparatus are provided. The remote control apparatus includes a communications device for communicating with a display apparatus; buttons for receiving a user command relating to function control of the display apparatus; a jog switch for allowing directional movement manipulation and push manipulation; and a controller for, after the user command is input through the buttons, generating and sending a control signal to set a different function of the display apparatus based on a manipulation state of the jog switch.