Set-Top Box Graphical Remote Control via Auxiliary Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current set-top boxes have limited controls built into the device and often lose functionality when the remote control is misplaced, leaving users without a means to access all features except for basic functions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a processor, input port, auxiliary input port, and output port to display a graphical representation of the remote control, allowing users to control the set-top box using an auxiliary remote control, such as a computer mouse or game controller, to access all features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the set-top box is designed with minimal built-in controls to keep the device compact and simple, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates when the remote control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computer mouse as an intermediary device to bridge the user and the set-top box when the remote control is unavailable. The mouse connects to the set-top box via USB port and acts as a substitute controller, allowing users to navigate and control the set-top box functions through the graphical interface displayed on the screen.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the remote control interface by displaying graphical representations of remote control buttons and navigation elements on the television screen. This graphical interface replicates the remote control's functionality, allowing users to interact with the set-top box as if using the original remote control.
2Ease of operation
If the remote control is made wireless and compact for portability, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to vulnerability to misplacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control interface parameter from physical buttons on a remote control to graphical representations displayed on the television screen. This allows the control interface to be projected onto a larger surface area, making it accessible even when the original remote control is misplaced or lost.
3Ease of manufacture
If the set-top box has limited built-in controls to reduce manufacturing cost, then the manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates when alternative control methods are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the set-top box compatible with multiple types of control devices by implementing a universal control interface. The system can accept input from both traditional remote controls and alternative devices like computer mice, keyboards, or touchpads, allowing a single set-top box design to serve multiple control scenarios without requiring hardware modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
A set-top box is constructed including a processor, an input port, an auxiliary input port, and an output port. The input port is electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to receive first control signals from a remote control. The auxiliary input port is also electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to receive second control signals from an auxiliary remote control and send the second control signals to the processor. The output port is electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to send graphical representations of a remote control to a display. The processor is configured to compose a graphical representation of the remote control, receive a second control signal, modify the graphical representation of the remote control in response to the second control signal, and send the graphical representation to the output port for display.