Virtual Keypad GUI for Miniaturized Remote Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional remote controls for TVs are large due to the need for number keys to select broadcast channels, and users prefer a smaller form factor, necessitating a method to input preferred broadcast channels without number keys.

Innovation Solution

A Graphical User Interface (GUI) method using a remote control with a keypad operable by a pointer, allowing users to select broadcast channels through a virtual keypad and list, eliminating the need for physical number keys, and a broadcast receiving apparatus that generates and controls this GUI to tune to user-selected channels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If number keys are included on the remote control to input broadcast channel numbers, then the channel selection function is complete and reliable, but the remote control size becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel selection capabilityVSAvoidremote control size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical number keys on the remote control with a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on the TV screen. The virtual keypad and channel list are rendered visually, and users interact with them by pointing the remote control in different directions, substituting physical mechanical keys with optical-display-based interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the traditional number keypad interface on the TV display screen. This virtual keypad replicates the functionality of physical number keys but exists as a graphical representation that can be interacted with through pointer-based remote control manipulation, eliminating the need for physical key structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Area of moving object

If a virtual keypad with pointer is implemented on the display, then the remote control size can be reduced, but the operation method becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote control sizeVSAvoidoperation method complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having the remote control display a keypad and requiring the TV to receive directional commands, the patent inverts the approach by displaying the interactive keypad on the TV screen and having the remote control function as a directional pointer. This reversal simplifies the remote control design while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The remote control is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the traditional infrared command transmitter and a directional pointer device. The same remote control hardware that sends channel change commands also controls the pointer position on the virtual keypad, consolidating functions rather than requiring separate mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If the keypad is displayed on the TV screen rather than being physical, then manufacturing cost and remote control complexity are reduced, but the user interface requires more screen space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote control manufacturingVSAvoiddisplay screen space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The user interface is segmented into distinct functional zones on the TV display: a virtual keypad area for number input and a separate channel list area for direct channel selection. This segmentation allows efficient use of screen space by organizing related controls together while maintaining clear functional separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the two-dimensional display space of the TV screen to create a virtual keypad layout that optimizes space usage. The keypad and channel list are arranged in a spatial configuration that fits within the available screen real estate, transforming the one-dimensional limitation of remote control keys into a two-dimensional graphical interface solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS9686495B2Method for providing GUI for selecting broadcast channel with keypad operated by pointer and broadcast receiving apparatus thereof

Publication Date: 2017.06.20 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A method for providing Graphical User Interface (GUI) for selecting a broadcast channel, and a broadcast receiving apparatus having the same are provided. The GUI for selecting a broadcast channel includes a keypad having a pointer to be moved by manipulation of a user on a remote control apparatus and keys selectable by the pointer, and then the user is able to input a preferred broadcast channel by using the keypad and the pointer. Accordingly, the user is able to input a preferred broadcast channel without using the number keys, so the number keys may be omitted in the remote control apparatus. As a result, miniaturization of the remote control apparatus is possible.