Universal Remote Control Color-Coded Keys for Appliance Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of universal remote controls often struggle to quickly determine which appliance is assigned to a specific function key, leading to frustration as they forget the target appliance for each key, especially in modes commanding multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
The use of visual cues such as color to indicate the relationship between function keys and intended target appliances, where specific colors are associated with different appliances, allowing users to discern the target appliance for commands transmitted by activating a function key.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If universal remote controls are used to command multiple appliances of various manufacturers, then the number of individual remote controls required is reduced, but the user's ability to quickly determine which appliance is assigned to a specific function key deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color coding to function keys on the remote control, where each color indicates the appliance type that the key controls. For example, red keys control televisions, yellow keys control VCRs, and green keys control stereos. This visual differentiation allows users to quickly identify which appliance a function key targets without having to remember the assignments, thereby maintaining versatility while improving ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If function keys are locked to transmit commands to a target appliance that does not correspond to the primary target appliance, then command flexibility is improved, but user confusion about which appliance will be controlled increases
Solution Approach 1:
The color-coded key system provides continuous visual information about the locked function keys' target appliances. When a function key is locked to a specific appliance (e.g., volume keys locked to an amplifier), the corresponding color (red for TV, yellow for VCR, green for stereo) remains visible on the key, reminding the user which appliance the locked key will control even when in a different operational mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control provides feedback to the user through color indicators that show which appliance each function key is locked to control. This feedback mechanism helps users understand the locked key behavior before activation, reducing confusion and allowing users to make informed decisions about command transmission.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operational modes are provided for commanding different appliances, then the remote control's functionality is improved, but the user's memory burden for tracking appliance assignments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The color-coded key system eliminates the need for users to remember appliance assignments across different operational modes. The colors remain consistent indicators of appliance type regardless of the current mode, allowing users to quickly identify target appliances without mental recall or reference to previous settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The color coding system provides preliminary visual information about key assignments before the user needs to use the remote. By displaying the appliance type information upfront through color indicators, the system eliminates the need for users to spend time recalling or checking assignments at the moment of use.
Data Source
AI summary
A controlling device, such as a universal remote control, that uses visual and/or audio cues, such as sounds, color, patterns, shapes, etc., to indicate a relationship between a function key and an intended target appliance for a command transmitted in response to activation of the function key.