Remote Controller Key Mode Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing content reproducing systems require numerous operation buttons on remote controllers due to the need for low-use-frequency keys like cursor-up and cursor-down keys for navigating hierarchical menu screens, leading to increased size and cost.
Innovation Solution
A command transmitting apparatus that uses a single key to shift between normal and menu modes, synchronizing the modes of the remote controller and content reproducing apparatus, allowing the same key to transmit different commands based on the current mode, thereby eliminating the need for low-use-frequency keys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the system remote controller is provided with cursor-up key and cursor-down key for operating hierarchical menu screen, then the menu screen can be operated, but the number of keys increases, size becomes large, and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The skip key is designed to perform multiple functions: in normal mode it skips tracks, and in menu mode it acts as a cursor movement key. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cursor-up and cursor-down keys while maintaining full menu operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The function of the skip key dynamically changes based on the current mode (normal mode or menu mode). The control unit detects the mode and interprets the skip key press appropriately, allowing a single static key to perform different functions dynamically.
2Device complexity
If the remote controller has fewer keys, then size and cost are reduced, but the ability to operate menu screen may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The skip key serves as a universal key that can operate both music playback (skip function) and menu navigation (cursor movement function), ensuring full menu operation capability with minimal keys.
Solution Approach 2:
The system preliminarily determines the current mode (normal or menu) before processing the skip key press. This preliminary mode detection ensures that the single key press is correctly interpreted to perform the appropriate function, maintaining operational capability.
3Reliability
If different commands are transmitted for the same key operation in different modes, then correct control is achieved, but mode synchronization between remote controller and content reproducing apparatus is required
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors and detects the current mode of the content reproducing apparatus. This feedback mechanism ensures that the remote controller knows which mode it is in and transmits the appropriate command (skip or cursor movement) for the same key press, achieving reliable command transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The mode detection is performed preliminarily and continuously before each key press is processed. This ensures that the correct command is selected in advance based on the current mode, maintaining reliability without complex real-time decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
A command transmitting apparatus includes: an input section having a first key and a second key; a mode setting section having a normal mode and a menu mode, shifting from the normal mode to the menu mode in response to an operation of the first key, and shifting from the menu mode to the normal mode after lapse of predetermined time which is the same as the predetermined time set in the content reproducing apparatus; a command transmitting section for transmitting the first command to the content reproducing apparatus in response to an operation on the first key; and a mode determining section for determining a mode set in the mode setting section when the second key is operated. When it is determined that the mode setting section is in the normal mode, the command transmitting section transmits a second command for controlling the normal mode of the content reproducing apparatus to the content reproducing apparatus. When it is determined that the mode setting section is in the menu mode, the command transmitting section transmits a third command for controlling the menu mode of the content reproducing apparatus to the content reproducing apparatus.