Smart TV Remote Control via Screen Mirroring and Inversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional remote controllers for smart TVs are cumbersome and inconvenient due to the need to constantly look at both the TV screen and the remote controller for navigation, especially with touchscreen-type controllers that require users to check if commands are executed correctly, and they often have complex button layouts that are difficult to learn.

Innovation Solution

A method using a remote controller with a touchscreen or touchpad that sends wireless signals to a smart TV to control the cursor on the screen, allowing users to select and execute items without looking at the remote controller by performing touch-related motions such as dragging, checking, and double-touching, which are translated into corresponding commands for the smart TV.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a touchscreen-type remote controller is used, then the control functions for smart TV can be provided, but the user must constantly look at both the remote controller screen and the TV screen, making the operation cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionsVSAvoidoperation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the TV screen itself as a copy of the remote controller interface. The TV displays a virtual remote controller layout that mirrors the physical button positions, allowing users to operate the remote without looking at the remote screen. This eliminates the need to switch attention between two screens while maintaining full control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of displaying the remote controller interface on the remote itself (traditional approach), the patent inverts the approach by displaying the same interface on the TV screen being controlled. This allows the user to look at the TV screen for both viewing content and controlling the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If too many buttons are provided to match smart TV functions, then the control capability is sufficient, but the structure becomes complicated and difficult to learn

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidbutton layout complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the TV screen serve multiple functions: it acts as both the display for viewing content and the display for the remote controller interface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate remote screen, reducing remote controller complexity while maintaining full control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The remote controller interface on the TV screen is dynamic and context-aware. It displays only the relevant controls based on the current TV state and user actions, rather than showing all possible buttons simultaneously. This reduces the perceived complexity while maintaining access to all functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9467729B2Method for remotely controlling smart television

Publication Date: 2016.10.11 EUN IK SOO

AI summary

A method for remote controlling of a smart TV. With the method for remote controlling, the user does not look at the remote controller's touchscreen and remote-controls the smart TV by looking at the motion of the cursor on the smart TV, which is an object to control and manipulating the touchscreen. Therefore, the smart TV can be controlled freely and comfortably as if holding it like a smart phone in hand.