Rotatable Channel Selection Key with Skin Projection Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current user input devices for electronic apparatuses, such as television signal receivers, are cumbersome for channel selection, especially in low-light environments and require users to remember exact channel numbers, increasing cognitive workload.
Innovation Solution
A user input device with a rotatable and pressable key that allows users to select channel numbers by forming groups, displaying and tuning to initial, higher, or lower channel numbers based on key rotation and depression, simplifying channel navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a numeric key pad is used for channel selection, then channel numbers can be entered, but users have difficulty viewing keys in dark environments and must leave their seat to turn on light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary display mechanism that projects channel number information onto the user's skin (forearm or hand) using visible light. This intermediary display allows users to view channel numbers without requiring ambient light illumination, eliminating the need to leave the seating position and turn on lights while maintaining ease of channel selection operation
2Device complexity
If numeric keys are positioned close together on the key pad, then the key pad becomes compact, but channel selection becomes difficult due to proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical interaction of physically pressing nearby keys with a rotational interface. Instead of requiring users to accurately locate and press specific numeric keys that are close together, users rotate a single control element to navigate through channel numbers, substituting precise mechanical positioning with rotational motion that is easier to control and less error-prone
3Measurement precision
If users must remember and enter exact channel numbers, then channel selection can be precise, but cognitive workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service channel selection mechanism where the system automatically retrieves and displays channel numbers based on user preferences or previously viewed channels. The rotational interface automatically increments or decrements channel numbers without requiring users to manually type or remember exact numbers, thereby maintaining precision while significantly reducing cognitive effort and workload
Data Source
AI summary
A method for enabling channel selection for an electronic apparatus such as a television signal receiver is performed via a user input device having a key capable of being rotated and pressed. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method includes enabling selection of a plurality of channel numbers to form a group, enabling a first one of the channel numbers to be selected as a initial channel number in response to the selection of the plurality of channel numbers in the group, enabling display of the initial channel number, enabling display of a second one of the channel numbers that is larger than the initial channel number if the key is rotated in a first direction, enabling display of a third one of the channel numbers that is smaller than the initial channel number if the key is rotated in a second direction, and tuning to one of the initial channel number, the second channel number and the third channel number responsive to depression of the key.