Remote Control Mode Display on Presentation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote control devices lack an efficient method to indicate their current mode to users, leading to potential misoperation and unnecessary battery consumption from mode indicator lights.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where the current mode of remote control devices is displayed on connected presentation devices, such as TVs, either continuously or at opportune times, using consumer electronics control (CEC) buses and communication protocols like RF4CE, eliminating the need for mode indicator lights on the remote controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a mode indicator light is included on the remote control to display current mode, then users can identify the remote control mode, but battery life is consumed and the remote control design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mode indicator function is extracted from the remote control device and relocated to the presentation device (television). The remote control sends mode information data to the presentation device, which then displays the mode information on its screen. This eliminates the need for a physical mode indicator light on the remote control, thereby conserving battery life while still providing mode information to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The presentation device acts as an intermediary between the remote control and the user. Instead of the remote control directly displaying mode information through a light indicator, the information is transmitted to the presentation device which then presents it to the user. This intermediary approach allows the remote control to remain simple and energy-efficient while still providing comprehensive mode information.
2Loss of information
If a mode indicator light is included on the remote control to display current mode, then users can identify the remote control mode, but the remote control design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mode indicator functionality is extracted from the remote control and implemented on the presentation device. The remote control only needs to transmit mode information data, while the presentation device handles the display functionality. This reduces the remote control design to essential components only, eliminating the need for additional indicator lights and associated circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The presentation device is utilized for multiple purposes: it serves as both the program display device and the mode information display device. By leveraging the existing display capabilities of the presentation device, the system avoids adding dedicated indicator components to the remote control, thereby simplifying the remote control design while maintaining full functionality.
3Loss of information
If mode information is displayed continuously on the presentation device, then users can always see the remote control mode, but it may distract from the programming being watched
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously displaying mode information, the presentation device displays mode information periodically or at specific trigger events. For example, the mode information is displayed when the mode changes, or when the user presses a specific button on the remote control. This periodic display approach ensures users have access to mode information when needed while minimizing continuous visual distractions from the programming being watched.
Solution Approach 2:
The display of mode information is made dynamic rather than static. The mode information display can be adjusted based on user preferences, timing, and context. For instance, the information may be displayed temporarily and then automatically removed, or the user may have the option to enable/disable mode information display. This dynamic approach balances information availability with minimizing distraction.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed for the current mode of one or more remote control devices to be displayed or played as an audio message either continuously or at various opportune times on other devices such as a presentation device (e.g., a television set). In this way, a user is able to quickly see the current mode of their remote control while watching programming on the display to determine if the remote control mode needs to be changed to control a particular device on the premises. Remote control command mode information may be communicated from the remote control in a separate remote control message or within remote control commands generated by the remote control.