User Terminal Apparatus Mode Segmentation for Remote Control Simplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of remote controllers for electronic devices, such as televisions, increases with the number of channels and connected external apparatuses, making them inconvenient for users to operate due to the need for additional buttons and interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A user terminal apparatus with multiple operation modes, including a control mode and an application mode, that detects the state of the controlled apparatus and displays corresponding screens, using a touch screen interface with mode conversion buttons to simplify user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of buttons and interfaces on the remote controller is increased to support more channels and external apparatuses, then the control functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the remote controller functionality into two distinct modes: control mode for controlling external apparatuses and application mode for running applications. This segmentation allows the remote to handle diverse functions without requiring separate physical buttons for each function, as the mode switching consolidates control into unified interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic mode switching that changes the operational state of the remote controller based on user input. The mode converting button dynamically transitions the remote between control mode and application mode, allowing the same hardware to adapt its functionality rather than requiring static additional buttons for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of buttons and interfaces on the remote controller is increased to support more channels and external apparatuses, then the control functionality is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting functionality into distinct modes, the patent presents users with simplified, context-specific interfaces rather than overwhelming them with all possible functions simultaneously. In control mode, users see only control-related options; in application mode, users see application-related options.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic mode switching adapts the interface to the current operational context, making the remote easier to operate by displaying only relevant controls for the current mode rather than requiring users to navigate through all available functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single remote controller is used for both controlling apparatuses and running applications, then the device versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single remote controller that can perform both control functions and application execution. The mode converting button enables this multi-functionality, allowing one device to replace what would traditionally require separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote controller uses dynamic mode switching to accommodate multiple functions within a unified structure. Rather than adding separate physical interfaces for each function, the system dynamically changes its operational state to provide different functionalities through the same hardware interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A user terminal apparatus and a user interface providing method are provided. The user terminal apparatus providing a control mode to control an apparatus to be controlled and an application mode to operate applications includes a display unit which displays a control mode providing screen and an application mode providing screen, a user interface unit which receives an input of a user's order to select one of the control mode and the application mode, a communication interface unit which communicates with the apparatus to be controlled, and a controller which controls, if the control mode is selected, to display a control screen corresponding to the state of the apparatus to be controlled based on state information of the apparatus to be controlled which is received through the communication interface unit.