Touchpad Remote Controller Context-Specific Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer electronic devices are not intuitively controlled using traditional handheld remote controllers, which are cumbersome and less intuitive compared to mouse-like pointing devices, especially when navigating media content.
Innovation Solution
A remote controller with a touchpad is used to control consumer electronic devices through a context-specific user interface displayed on the device, allowing users to interact with the interface using gestures to position a cursor and select operations, simplifying navigation and eliminating the need for physical buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional handheld remote control device is used to control consumer electronic devices, then the device can be operated with simple button presses, but the interface is less intuitive and more cumbersome compared to mouse-like pointing devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a touchpad that replicates the functionality of a mouse-like pointing device by detecting finger gestures (clicks, taps, swipes) and translating them into cursor movements and selections on the display. This copying of mouse functionality onto a remote control enables intuitive interaction with graphical user interfaces without requiring numerous physical buttons.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing system with a touchpad-based gesture recognition system. Instead of physical buttons that require tactile feedback and label reading, the system uses touch-sensitive surface detection to interpret finger movements, eliminating the need for multiple mechanical buttons and their associated labels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If numerous buttons are included on the remote control to control different operations, then all functions can be accessed, but the remote control becomes more complex and requires more power for backlighting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent displays operational controls as graphical elements on the screen rather than providing physical buttons for each function. The touchpad detects gestures that control a cursor to select from displayed options, eliminating the need for backlighting physical buttons while maintaining full functional adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional array of physical buttons to a three-dimensional interaction model where the touchpad detects finger pressure and movement dimensions to control cursor positioning and selection. This dimensional shift enables gesture-based control without requiring additional power for button backlighting.
3Ease of operation
If a mouse-like pointing device is used to interact with media content on consumer electronic devices, then content navigation is intuitive and efficient, but the device is not portable and requires a larger interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal remote control solution that combines the intuitive cursor control of a mouse with the portability of a handheld device. The touchpad-based system provides mouse-like navigation capabilities (cursor movement, clicking, scrolling) while fitting in a pocket, making it suitable for both desktop and mobile use scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent copies the essential functions of a mouse (pointing, clicking, scrolling) onto a compact remote control form factor. The touchpad replicates mouse behavior through finger gestures, enabling content navigation efficiency while maintaining portability that larger mouse devices cannot provide.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for controlling the operations of a consumer electronic (CE) device. A system includes a display device, CE device, and a remote controller with a touchpad. The CE device is configured to output a context-specific user interface for display by the display device. The particular user interface varies based on the operational context of the CE device. The remote controller sends signals that are detected by the CE device and control operations performed by the CE device. More specifically, the remote controller is used as a handheld pointing device to select operations through interactions with the context-specific user interface. A user may apply gestures to the touchpad that are interpreted based on the context-specific user interface to control the CE device.