Multi-screen Video Interface Synchronization via Secondary Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multimedia content access and management systems, such as home entertainment setups, are inefficient when multiple users collaborate to select content to watch, as they rely on a single person navigating the television interface with a remote control, which can be cumbersome, especially when compared to the intuitive experience of using smartphones or tablets.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows a secondary portable device, like a smartphone or tablet, to manage and search for content on a primary device, such as a television, with synchronized navigation states but different user interfaces, enabling text entry and remote control access, and transitioning to a multi-screen experience once content is selected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a remote control device is used to navigate the television interface, then the television can be controlled, but the operation becomes awkward and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a secondary display device (smartphone or tablet) as an intermediary between the user and the television system. This secondary device provides a more intuitive touch-based interface for content selection and control, while the primary television display maintains its traditional interface. The secondary device acts as a mediator that translates user interactions into commands for the television system, resolving the contradiction by offering easier operation without requiring changes to the television hardware itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single person navigates the television interface, then content can be selected, but collaboration between multiple users becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by allowing the television system to serve multiple purposes simultaneously: it can display content for passive viewers while another user interacts with the secondary device for active content selection. The system supports both traditional remote control operation and modern touch-based interaction, accommodating different user preferences and collaboration scenarios. This universal approach enables seamless switching between different interaction modes and user roles.
3Ease of operation
If the same interface is displayed on both primary and secondary devices, then consistency is maintained, but the user experience is not optimized for each device's characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by customizing the interface presentation for each device based on its specific characteristics. The secondary display device (smartphone or tablet) receives a tailored interface optimized for touch interaction and its screen dimensions, while the primary television display maintains its traditional interface suited for large-screen viewing. Each device receives locally optimized content and controls, allowing the system to adapt to different form factors and interaction paradigms while maintaining functional consistency.
4Productivity
If text entry is required on the television interface, then search functionality is enabled, but the process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical keyboard input method traditionally used on televisions with a touch-based virtual keyboard on the secondary display device. This substitution leverages the touchscreen capabilities of smartphones and tablets, providing a more intuitive and efficient text entry experience. The virtual keyboard can be manipulated with fingers, eliminating the need for precise remote control button pressing, and enables faster content search and selection.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for implementing multi-screen video user interfaces. A handheld device is used to search for content to be displayed on a television. The handheld device presents data according to a first user interface, and while searching for content, any changes to the navigation state of the handheld device are sent to the television. The television receives an update and reformats the data according to a second user interface optimized for displaying the data on the television. The first user interface is native to the handheld device and the second user interface is native to the television. The user of the handheld device is able to utilize a familiar format while searching for content while viewers of the television are able to see the same navigation state as the handheld device but in a familiar format on the television.