TV Video Calling via Remote Control Button

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing video calling systems on televisions are complex and require special hardware, making them difficult for non-technical users, especially seniors and disabled individuals, to initiate video calls seamlessly and easily.

Innovation Solution

A system that integrates 1-click video calling functionality directly into the television's remote control, allowing users to initiate video calls with a single button press, using a TV-based video calling device with a camera, microphone, and cloud service, connected via HDMI, and featuring customizable buttons for easy contact selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If video calling functionality is integrated into television using special hardware and complex interfaces, then video calling capability is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates for non-technical users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo calling capabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the video calling initiation function from complex TV interfaces and dedicated hardware systems, implementing it as a simple button press feature on universal remote controls. This allows non-technical users to make video calls without navigating complex menus or understanding technical operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes video calling accessible through universal remote controls that work with commercially available televisions, rather than requiring specialized hardware. This multi-functional approach allows the same remote control to operate both standard TV functions and video calling initiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If dedicated video calling hardware is integrated into television, then video calling functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo calling functionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables video calling through universal remote controls that work with existing commercially available televisions, eliminating the need for specialized video calling hardware integrated into the TV. The same remote control operates both standard TV functions and video calling initiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the universal remote control as an intermediary device to initiate video calls, rather than requiring direct integration of video calling hardware into the television. The remote control serves as a mediator between the user and the video calling system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple steps and interfaces are required to initiate video calls, then video calling capability is achieved, but productivity deteriorates due to time consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo calling capabilityVSAvoidcall initiation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-assigns specific contacts to dedicated buttons on the remote control, allowing users to initiate video calls immediately without searching through menus or selecting contacts during the calling process. The contacts are prepared in advance for quick access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the video calling function into a single, isolated button press action, separating it from the complex multi-step processes of traditional video calling systems. This segmentation allows the essential function to be performed independently and quickly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20240380862A11-Click Video Calling Through Television
Publication Date: 2024.11.14 ONSCREEN
  • US20240380862A1 patent drawing
  • US20240380862A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention, titled “1-Click Video Calling Through Television,” offers a simplified video calling solution for seniors or disabled individuals. It includes a TV-based video calling device, a cloud service, and a 1-button call option on the device, a USB-based connection, or a remote control. The device connects to a television via HDMI and uses the Internet to facilitate video calls with family, caregivers, and healthcare providers. With a single button press, users can easily initiate calls with pre-designated contacts. The invention simplifies video calling and enhances connectivity for seniors and disabled individuals. Features include customizable contact buttons on the remote control and automatic television input switching, ensuring a user-friendly experience. The cloud service securely stores contact information and supports seamless communication.