TV Audio Status Display for Faster Remote Settings Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern TV sets require users to navigate complex menu systems to access and adjust audio settings, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient, especially for sophisticated audio features like surround enhancement processing.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users to control and monitor audio settings, including surround processing, directly through the remote control without needing multiple button presses, by displaying audio options and status visually each time the volume is adjusted, enabling simple navigation and selection of audio modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If audio settings are accessible only through deep menu navigation, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio control functionality into two parts: basic volume control remains in the simple remote interface, while advanced audio settings (surround processing, equalization, loudness compensation) are separated into a dedicated audio settings menu. This segmentation allows users to access only the complexity level they need, improving ease of operation for basic controls while keeping the full feature set available when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary audio settings menu that acts as a bridge between the simple remote control interface and the complex audio processing capabilities. This intermediary layer provides a structured, step-by-step navigation path to advanced features, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining access to all audio functions.
2Ease of operation
If multiple buttons are added to remote control for direct audio settings access, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing menu button multi-functional by programming it to provide different navigation behaviors based on the current context. When pressed from the main screen, it provides shortcuts to frequently used settings including audio sub-menu access. This universal button approach provides direct audio settings access without adding physical buttons to the remote control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the menu button with shortcut capabilities that anticipate user needs. The button is programmed in advance to recognize when the user wants to access audio settings and provides direct navigation there, eliminating the need for users to navigate through multiple menu levels manually.
3Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive audio controls are provided, then adaptability improves, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by organizing the audio settings menu into distinct sections, each dedicated to a specific audio processing function (surround processing, equalization, loudness compensation, etc.). Each section contains only the relevant controls for that function, allowing users to easily find and adjust specific audio parameters without being overwhelmed by all available options simultaneously. This localized organization makes the comprehensive audio controls more manageable and easier to operate.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems are disclosed including a television (TV) set having included audio system. The TV set permits control over various functions, at least including audio volume, via a remote control. When the viewer activates the remote volume control, a graphic appears indicating the state of the volume control and, optionally the mute status. The graphic can be presented on the TV screen. In alternate embodiments, the graphic may be presented on a display of the remote, or even some other location, e.g., a different remote control. If a mute button is provided on the remote control, when the viewer activates the mute button, a graphic appears indicating the state of muting and, optionally, the volume control status. The TV set also offers control over various aspects of the audio system, including settings which go beyond volume up/down, generally through some sort of menu system.