Peripheral Control Device Context Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional remote controls for TVs and set-top boxes are inefficient due to static key configurations that do not adapt to changing media services or menus, leading to user confusion and laborious navigation, especially as software updates add new features without supporting updatable options.
Innovation Solution
A peripheral control device that communicates with a host media device to receive and display context-specific control functions via encoded payloads, allowing the interface to dynamically change and match the active media service, enabling efficient control across various media services and contexts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional remote controls use static key configurations, then device compatibility is achieved, but user operation becomes laborious and confusing when media services or menus change
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control interface dynamically changes its displayed keys and control options based on the active media service or menu context. The processor receives context information from the host device and updates the interface to display only relevant control functions, transforming the static remote into an adaptive tool that evolves with the media service being used.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of interface configuration based on context identifiers. Different media services trigger different interface layouts, key mappings, and control options. This parameter change allows the remote to optimize its operation for each specific media service, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If remote controls have comprehensive key sets for multiple functions, then versatility is improved, but interface complexity increases and clarity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The comprehensive control functions are segmented into context-specific subsets. Instead of displaying all possible keys simultaneously, the interface is divided into relevant segments based on the active media service. This segmentation reduces interface complexity while maintaining full functionality through context-aware key selection.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the interface have different qualities based on the active context. The remote control applies local quality by customizing the interface layout, key descriptions, and control options specifically for each media service context, rather than using a uniform interface for all functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If software on STBs is updated with new features, then functionality is improved, but traditional remote controls cannot support new operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by having the host device send context information about new media services or features to the remote control. The remote control receives this feedback and automatically updates its interface to include appropriate control options for the new features, ensuring users can access updated functionality without manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control prepares for new media services by receiving and storing context information in advance. When a new media service or feature is activated, the interface is already prepared with the appropriate control options, eliminating the need for users to manually configure or discover new controls.
4Adaptability or versatility
If remote controls provide extensive control options for different media services, then adaptability is improved, but user discovery time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control interface performs self-service by automatically configuring itself based on context information from the host device. The system self-adjusts the displayed keys and control options without requiring user input or discovery, eliminating trial-and-error configuration and reducing time loss while maintaining comprehensive adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method and system for presenting a set of control functions via an interface of a peripheral control device (PCD). A control function can include a command associated with one or more media contexts of a host media device. The method decodes a payload, from the host media device, with an encoded context identifier, where the context identifier indicates a primary media context active on the host media device. The method determines one or more control functions corresponding to the context identifier, and changes the set of control functions on the interface of the PCD to include the one or more control functions that can command the primary media context.