Universal Remote Control with Selective Interface Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Universal remote controls face challenges in providing multiple user interfaces effectively while maintaining a cost-effective and compact design, as they often require multiple displays and complex key configurations to manage various appliances in different operational modes.
Innovation Solution
A controlling device with a face panel featuring multiple user interfaces, where distinct sources of energy are used to prominently display each interface, utilizing illuminable keys and translucent displays to differentiate modes through color and lighting cues, allowing for efficient switching between appliance controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple displays and complex key configurations are used to manage various appliances in different operational modes, then the ability to control multiple appliances is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The face panel is segmented into multiple distinct user interfaces, each with its own set of function keys and display elements. Each user interface is independently activatable and displayable, allowing the device to present different control configurations for different appliances without requiring a completely different physical device. This segmentation enables versatile appliance control while managing complexity through modular interface design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic user interface configuration where the display and key illumination can be selectively activated based on the operational mode. The system can transition between different user interfaces dynamically, illuminating specific keys or display elements corresponding to the currently selected appliance or function, thereby adapting the interface to the user's needs without physical reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple displays and complex key configurations are used to manage various appliances, then the ability to control multiple appliances is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal controlling device where a single physical device can function as multiple appliance controllers through software configuration and selective interface activation. The same hardware platform supports multiple user interfaces that can be activated based on the target appliance, eliminating the need to manufacture separate remote controls for different appliances and reducing overall production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than providing full displays and key configurations for all possible appliances simultaneously, the patent implements partial action by activating only the necessary user interface elements for the currently selected appliance or function. This selective activation reduces the complexity and cost of the overall device while maintaining the capability to control multiple appliance types through appropriate interface configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a display is used to present multiple different user interfaces, then the ability to provide multiple interfaces is improved, but the size and cost of the controlling device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different user interface characteristics at different locations or zones on the face panel. Each user interface can be associated with specific illuminated keys or display regions, allowing the device to present multiple interfaces without requiring a single large display. The interface elements are locally optimized for their specific functions while sharing the same physical space.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple user interfaces are displayed on the face panel, then the ability to control different appliances is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through selective illumination of user interface elements. Rather than continuously illuminating the entire face panel or all display elements, the system periodically activates only the specific keys or display regions corresponding to the currently active user interface. This periodic, selective illumination significantly reduces energy consumption while maintaining the ability to present multiple user interfaces for different appliance control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables a single device to manage multiple appliances with clear, intuitive user interfaces, reducing the need for multiple remotes and maintaining a compact, cost-effective design by using energy-efficient lighting and display technologies to indicate operational modes and target appliances.
Implementation Method 1
an element of a user interface on a face panel of a controlling device is arranged to reflect light energy from a source of light energy that the element of the user interface will be provided with a discernable visual appearance as a result of the source of light energy being turned on
Data Source
AI summary
A controlling device using a source of energy, such as light energy, to provide the controlling device with a user interface having multiple, different visual appearances.