Programmable Remote Control with Dynamic Button Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional universal remote controls are cumbersome, difficult to use, and lack adaptability to user preferences or environments, requiring multiple devices to be controlled separately and lacking intuitive operation.
Innovation Solution
A programmable remote control and on-screen display system that allows dynamic assignment of button functions through a graphical programming environment, enabling customization based on user preferences, handicaps, or environmental zones, and changing functionality with service selection or menu navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a universal remote control uses many physical buttons to control multiple devices, then the versatility and device control capability are improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to small button size and counterintuitive layout
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional array of physical buttons to a three-dimensional interaction model by projecting a virtual keypad in 3D space that can be viewed from any angle. The controller uses spatial positioning and angular orientation to select buttons, eliminating the need for numerous small physical buttons while maintaining full control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing system with an optical/electronic system. Instead of physically pressing buttons, the user points the controller at the desired button on the projected virtual keypad, and the system detects the angular position to identify the selected button. This substitution eliminates the need for numerous small physical buttons.
2Area of stationary object
If a touchscreen is used to provide a large display area and intuitive interface, then the ease of operation and display area are improved, but the device becomes bulky and nonportable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent projects the virtual keypad into three-dimensional space using optical elements, allowing the display to appear large and immersive without requiring a large physical screen. The virtual interface can be viewed from multiple angles and distances, providing a large effective display area while keeping the physical controller compact and portable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical projection system as an intermediary between the controller's small display and the user's view. The virtual keypad is projected through optical elements to create a magnified, three-dimensional image that appears large to the user while the physical controller remains compact.
3Device complexity
If conventional remote controls use fixed button functions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different users and environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic button function assignment where the virtual keypad's button labels and functions change based on the current context, selected service, or menu state. The same physical button position can represent different functions at different times, allowing a single controller to adapt to multiple devices and user needs without increasing physical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal controller where a single set of virtual buttons can control multiple different devices and functions. The virtual keypad dynamically reconfigures to provide context-appropriate controls, allowing one controller to replace multiple device-specific remote controls while maintaining simplicity for the user.
Data Source
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AI summary
Both an on screen display and a physical programmable remote control have buttons whose functionality may be dynamically reassigned in accordance with a user's navigation through menu levels, states or across different services. The physical programmable remote control, in conjunction with a TV or other video display, provides an intuitive, heads up experience for the user and eliminates the need for multiple physical remote controls. User profiles and zones may be used to customize a user's remote control functionality based on preferences, access controls, location and the like.