Universal Channel Button for Rapid Content Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for changing TV channels and accessing multimedia content on a display apparatus are inconvenient, requiring multiple steps and different remote controller buttons, making it difficult for users to switch between broadcast channels and multimedia content.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allows users to switch between broadcast channels and multimedia content using a single manipulation, utilizing a browser-based system where screen changes are made through a pre-stored list, including recently viewed content displayed in thumbnail form, accessible via channel buttons or touch input devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different remote controller buttons are used to change TV channels and access multimedia content, then the functions are separated and organized, but the operation becomes inconvenient and requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The channel button on the remote controller is made universal to perform multiple functions: it can change TV broadcast channels, access multimedia content stored in the display apparatus, and access external source content. This single button replaces the need for separate menu buttons and multi-step navigation, allowing users to access different content types by simply pressing the channel button repeatedly or in sequence.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple menu steps are required to access multimedia content (menu→video→file selection), then content organization is structured, but the access time and number of operations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of accessing multimedia content from the complex menu navigation system. By assigning direct access to multimedia content to the channel button, it removes the need to go through menu→video→file selection steps. The system extracts only the necessary navigation path while eliminating redundant menu layers, allowing direct access to content types.
Solution Approach 2:
The display apparatus pre-organizes multimedia content into accessible categories (video, music, photo, etc.) and pre-configures the channel button to access these categories directly. This preliminary organization allows users to access content without performing intermediate selection steps, as the system has already prepared the content structure for direct access.
3Ease of operation
If a single button is used to access multiple content types, then the operation becomes simpler, but the function separation and content organization may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
While using a single channel button for access, the system segments the content types into distinct categories (broadcast channels, stored video, stored music, stored photos, external source content). Each press or sequence of presses on the channel button can access different segments, maintaining functional separation through systematic segmentation of access modes rather than requiring separate physical buttons.
Data Source
AI summary
A content zapping method for accessing multimedia contents rapidly and easily by accessing the multimedia contents on a browser basis, includes receiving a screen change command for at least one broadcast channel or at least one content; and changing a screen to a browser which provides the at least one broadcast channel or the at least one content corresponding to the received screen change command, in an order of a pre-stored list.