Remote Control Trackball Interface for Precision Navigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Remote controls for devices capable of receiving broadcasted signals and functioning as multimedia centers are complex and difficult to use due to numerous keys, especially when precision controls are needed, such as during Internet connectivity or video games, and existing touchpads are imprecise.
Innovation Solution
A remote control with a compact design featuring a trackball for precision control, minimizing keys and incorporating a microcontroller for accurate signal transmission, allowing for ergonomic use and precise navigation through TV, Internet, and multimedia functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large quantity of keys is included in the remote control to provide all necessary commands for TV, Internet and multimedia functions, then the functionality and versatility of the remote control is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control implements multi-functionality by enabling a single device to control TV, Internet, and multimedia functions through a unified interface. The microcontroller processes different command types from a limited set of keys, allowing one remote to replace multiple specialized controls while maintaining versatility across different apparatus and functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complexity of command processing from the physical interface by removing unnecessary keys while retaining essential functions. The microcontroller handles the complexity of routing and interpreting commands internally, separating the simple physical interface from the complex control logic and presenting a streamlined set of keys that is easier to use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a capacitive touchpad is used for Internet function control, then the remote control can recognize user input, but the measurement precision and ease of operation deteriorate due to limited sensitivity and imprecise commands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the capacitive touchpad with a mechanical trackball interface. The trackball uses mechanical sensing to detect user input direction and magnitude, providing more precise control for Internet navigation and other functions. This mechanical system substitutes for the electronic capacitive sensing, delivering superior measurement precision while maintaining adaptability for Internet control.
3Strength
If ABS plastic material is used for the remote control body, then the structural strength and impact resistance are improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates for precision controls such as trackball manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different materials for different parts of the remote control. The main body is made of ABS plastic for strength and impact resistance, while the trackball area incorporates a material with lower friction coefficients to enable smooth precision control. This localized material differentiation allows each region to optimize its properties for its specific functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control employs composite materials by combining ABS plastic for the structural body with specialized low-friction materials for the trackball interface. This composite construction integrates materials with different properties to achieve both structural integrity and operational smoothness, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of operation for precision controls.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote control for remotely controlling an apparatus capable of working in different operative modes—namely receiving broadcasted signals, connecting to the Internet and functioning as a multimedia center. The remote control is able to cooperate with said television apparatus and comprises rotary means and actuating means. The said remote control is also configured to carry out different functions depending on which of said operative modes of the television apparatus has been selected and in reply to an execution of said rotary means and/or said actuating means of said remote control.