Remote Control Programmable Switch for TV Input Restoration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Users of modern television receivers often find it difficult to navigate and return to a desired mode or input due to the complexity of remote control devices, which manage numerous inputs from various electronic components, leading to confusion and inability to easily switch between channels or inputs.

Innovation Solution

A hand-held remote control device with a transmitter, controller, and programmable keyboard that allows users to preset settings, using a 'set home' feature to store user-selected data in memory, enabling quick restoration of desired modes, inputs, and channels via the 'home' button.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the remote control device supports multiple inputs and modes for various electronic components, then the adaptability and versatility of the device is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a 'last used' memory function that automatically stores and recalls the most recently used input mode. This preliminary action of storing usage patterns allows the remote to automatically return to the previously active mode, reducing the complexity of manual navigation through multiple inputs while maintaining high adaptability across different electronic components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the remote control device includes comprehensive controls for numerous inputs, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation worsens due to user confusion

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The remote control device performs self-service by automatically tracking and remembering the last used input mode through its memory function. This eliminates the need for users to manually navigate through complex input selections, as the device autonomously restores the previously active mode, thereby maintaining comprehensive adaptability while significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If the remote control device provides detailed input labels and options, then the information completeness is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the desired input increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoiddifficulty of detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The memory function performs a preliminary action by automatically recalling the last used input mode, which eliminates the need for users to search through detailed input labels and options. This preliminary retrieval of usage information maintains complete information availability while significantly reducing the difficulty of detecting and selecting the desired input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7295253B1Remote control device for a television receiver with user programmable means
Publication Date: 2007.11.13 WISTRON CORP
  • US7295253B1 patent drawing
  • US7295253B1 patent drawing
  • US7295253B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A remote control device for a television receiver having a user-controlled restore function. The remote control device has a user-programmable switch for enabling the user to store user-selected data in a memory, including TV input data and channel data. A restore switch is provided for enabling a microprocessor to transmit digital data to an infrared or RF transmitter, corresponding to the user-selected data. Actuation of the restore switch will restore the television receiver to a state of operation responsive to the user-selected stored data based on the user's settings of the user-programmable switch.