Two-Sided Remote Control With Selective Surface Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional remote controls are cumbersome for tasks requiring navigation and text input, such as scrolling, zooming, and entering text, due to the tedious nature of using command function keys and numeric keypads.
Innovation Solution
A two-sided remote control with command function keys and an alphanumeric keyboard on opposite surfaces, enhanced with orientation sensing and touch-sensitive input, selectively enabling/disabling surfaces based on orientation, user input, and appliance status, and incorporating accelerometer-based navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional command function keys and numeric keypads are used for navigation and text input, then the device structure remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to tedious input methods
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control is divided into two separate surfaces: the first surface contains command function keys for traditional control operations, while the second surface contains an alphanumeric keyboard for efficient text input and navigation. This segmentation allows each surface to be optimized for its specific function, improving ease of operation without requiring all features to be present on a single surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-surface remote control to a two-surface design, adding a spatial dimension to the device layout. The alphanumeric keyboard is placed on the opposite surface from the command function keys, allowing users to access different input modes by flipping or rotating the remote, thereby improving operational efficiency without increasing the footprint of each individual surface.
2Ease of operation
If all input surfaces are always enabled, then ease of operation improves with full functionality available, but reliability deteriorates due to inadvertent key actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control dynamically enables or disables specific input surfaces based on the current operational context, such as the active application or menu mode. For example, the alphanumeric keyboard may be enabled when text input is required but disabled when navigation through a menu is the primary task. This dynamic activation prevents inadvertent key actuation while maintaining full functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the user regarding which input surfaces are currently active or available. This may be achieved through visual indicators, haptic feedback, or contextual cues that inform the user about the current input mode, preventing accidental activation of disabled keys and improving overall reliability.
3Ease of operation
If accelerometer means are added for motion-based navigation, then ease of operation improves through intuitive control, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical button presses with motion-based control using accelerometer means. Users can navigate menus and input text by physically moving the remote control in specific directions or patterns, which the accelerometer detects and translates into navigation commands. This substitution provides more intuitive and ergonomic control while reducing the need for multiple physical keys.
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
Enhances usability by preventing inadvertent key actuation and improving navigation and text input efficiency through intelligent surface activation and accelerometer-based navigation.
Implementation Method 1
In certain embodiments incorporating accelerometer means, the accelerometer may be utilized not only to detect changes in orientation of the controlling device for the purposes described above
Implementation Method 2
In those embodiments comprising a touch sensitive input means, enhanced decoding methods may be applied to reduce the likelihood of false input due to inconsequential user touch or finger proximity while reaching for a key location
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-held device having a touch sensitive surface uses a relative distance from an origin location to each of a plurality of touch zones of the touch sensitive surface activated by a user to select a one of the plurality of touch zones as being intended for activation by the user.