Programmable Remote Control Layout for Heads-Up Multi-Device Use
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional universal remote controls are cumbersome, difficult to use due to numerous small and unintuitive buttons, requiring users to look down for operation and lacking adaptability for different users' preferences or environments.
Innovation Solution
A programmable on-screen display and remote control system that allows dynamic assignment of button functions based on user preferences, handicaps, or environmental zones, using a graphical programming environment to change functionality according to selected services or menu levels, enabling intuitive operation with large buttons and customizable access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a universal remote control uses numerous physical buttons to control multiple devices, then the device can control more devices, but the number of buttons increases making it difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an on-screen display to create a virtual representation of remote control buttons. Instead of requiring physical buttons for every function, the system displays graphical button representations on a screen that users can interact with using a single physical button (such as a touchscreen or simple click button). This copies the functionality of numerous physical buttons into a graphical interface, reducing the physical button count while maintaining comprehensive device control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional array of physical buttons to a graphical user interface displayed on a screen. The button functions are represented graphically on the display rather than being physically arranged in a grid, allowing users to navigate and select functions through graphical elements that can be activated with simpler input mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a universal remote control has many buttons to cover all functions, then more functions are available, but the buttons become small and require users to look down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the remote control interface on an on-screen display. Instead of requiring users to physically locate and press small buttons while looking down, the system displays enlarged graphical representations of buttons on a screen that users can view and interact with while looking at the display, enabling heads-up operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the button interface from a physical two-dimensional surface to a graphical display dimension. The buttons are rendered as graphical elements on a screen, allowing users to see and select functions without needing to physically locate small buttons, thereby enabling heads-up operation while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
3Device complexity
If a universal remote control has a fixed button layout, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different users' preferences or handicaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic button configuration system where the on-screen display can be programmed and reconfigured based on user preferences, handicaps, or environmental factors. Instead of a fixed physical button layout, the graphical interface can be dynamically adjusted to present different button arrangements, labels, or functions according to the specific user's needs, while the underlying system structure remains relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows changing parameters of the button interface such as button positions, labels, functions, and arrangements on the on-screen display. These parameters can be modified through programming or configuration to adapt the interface to different users' preferences or abilities, while the core system structure remains unchanged.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a universal remote control has dozens of buttons, then all device functions can be controlled, but the device becomes bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for numerous physical buttons with a graphical user interface displayed on a screen. The functionality of dozens of buttons is copied into graphical representations that can be displayed on a compact screen, significantly reducing the physical size of the remote control while maintaining comprehensive device control coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple button functions into a single integrated interface displayed on one screen. Instead of having separate physical buttons for different devices and functions, the system combines all control functions into a unified graphical interface, reducing the overall number of physical components and the size of the remote control.
Data Source
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.