Multifunction Device Simulating Remote Control for Content Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
User interactions with electronic devices, such as computers and televisions, often require multiple inputs to navigate and play content, which can be time-consuming and inefficient, especially for battery-operated devices.
Innovation Solution
The use of multifunction devices with touch-sensitive surfaces to simulate dedicated remote control functionality, allowing users to provide keyboard input and navigational controls to electronic devices, thereby enhancing interaction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional remote control methods are used to navigate and play content on electronic devices, then the electronic device can be controlled, but user interaction time increases and battery power is consumed more quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a multifunction device (such as a smartphone or tablet) to serve both as a computing device and as a remote control for electronic devices. The remote control application on the multifunction device allows users to control television, video player, and other electronic device functions through a unified interface, eliminating the need for separate remote controls and reducing interaction time while conserving battery power through efficient wireless communication protocols
2Ease of operation
If multiple inputs are required to navigate and play content on electronic devices, then comprehensive control is achieved, but interaction efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control functions (navigation, playback control, volume adjustment, channel changing) into a single integrated remote control application on the multifunction device. This consolidation allows users to access all electronic device controls through one unified interface rather than requiring multiple separate inputs or devices, significantly improving interaction efficiency and reducing the time required to perform common tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control application acts as an intermediary between the multifunction device and the electronic device. It establishes a wireless communication bridge that translates user inputs from the multifunction device into corresponding control commands for the electronic device, simplifying the interaction process and reducing the number of direct inputs required while maintaining comprehensive control capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments described in this disclosure are directed to one or more input devices that simulate dedicated remote control functionality for navigating and playing content items available on other electronic devices, and one or more operations related to the above that the input devices and other electronic devices optionally perform. Some embodiments described in this disclosure are directed to one or more multifunction devices via which keyboard input to electronic devices is provided, and one or more operations related to the above that the multifunction devices and the electronic devices optionally perform. Some embodiments described in this disclosure are directed to one or more multifunction devices via which control and/or navigational inputs to electronic devices is provided, and one or more operations related to the above that the multifunction devices and the electronic devices optionally perform.