Two-Sided Remote Control Orientation Sensor Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional remote control devices for television and video devices lack an efficient method to prevent accidental button presses when switching between input modes, such as text input and standard button functions, leading to unintended commands and increased size or complexity for additional keyboards.

Innovation Solution

A remote control device with two interface panels, utilizing orientation sensors like accelerometers or gyroscopes to determine the device's orientation and deactivate buttons on the opposite face when not in use, allowing for a compact design with separate key configurations on each side and a touchscreen for virtual input options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two interface panels are provided on opposite sides for different input modes, then input versatility is improved, but accidental button presses increase and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput mode versatilityVSAvoidaccidental input prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical prevention methods (physical covers, slide-out keyboards) with an electronic/orientation-based system. An orientation sensor detects the remote's spatial orientation and electronically activates or deactivates corresponding button panels, substituting mechanical complexity with sensor-based control to prevent accidental inputs while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational state of buttons based on the orientation parameter. When the remote is held in a specific orientation, the orientation sensor detects this change and activates the corresponding interface panel while deactivating the other, dynamically adjusting which inputs are responsive based on the physical parameter of orientation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If two interface panels are provided on opposite sides for different input modes, then input versatility is improved, but device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput mode versatilityVSAvoidremote control structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate input interfaces (numerical keypad and alphabetical keyboard) into a single remote control device with opposite facing panels. This consolidation provides versatile input options while maintaining a compact form factor, avoiding the need for multiple separate devices or complex mechanical transformation mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent eliminates complex mechanical systems (slide-out keyboards, flip covers, rotating mechanisms) by using an orientation sensor to electronically control button activation. This substitution dramatically reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining the ability to switch between different input modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If orientation sensor is used to activate/deactivate buttons, then accidental inputs are prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccidental input preventionVSAvoidsensor integration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an orientation sensor (accelerometer or gyroscope) to detect the remote's spatial orientation and electronically control which button panels are active. This sensor-based approach prevents accidental inputs without requiring complex mechanical structures, achieving reliability through electronic control rather than mechanical complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables seamless switching between input modes without accidental commands, reduces the remote's size by integrating multiple functions on opposing faces, and enhances user interaction with advanced features like virtual keypads and network connectivity.

Implementation Method 1

A remote control device with two interface panels, utilizing orientation sensors like accelerometers or gyroscopes to determine the device's orientation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

A remote control device with two interface panels, utilizing orientation sensors like accelerometers or gyroscopes to determine the device's orientation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGyroscope: Gyroscope

Data Source

PatentUS8670078B2Two-sided remote control

Publication Date: 2014.03.11 BBY SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A remote control is described that with at least two faces that have at least one touch-based input. The remote control also includes an orientation sensor that determines the orientation of the remote control. A processor on the remote ignores signals from inputs on certain faces of the remote based upon the orientation of the remote control.