Easy to Use and Intuitive User Interface for a Remote Control

• US 20080302582A1
• Filed: 09/28/2007
• Published: 12/11/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 03/15/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Logitech Europe S A (Logitech International SA)
• Original Assignee: Logitech Europe S A (Logitech International SA)
• Inventors: Zaliauskas, Alex, Bates, Mathew, Glover, Barbara, Sekhri, Boualem
• Granted Patent: US 8,742,905 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 178/18.06
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/02 using a radio link
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 19/28 using pulse code
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/21 Programming remote control devices via third means
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 23/04 using light waves, e.g. infrared

Abstract

The present invention is a system and method for an easy to use and intuitive user interface on a remote control. In one embodiment of the present invention, a touch sensitive area is extended beyond a screen. In one embodiment, soft buttons lie partially on the screen and partially off it (on the extended touch-sensitive area). This allows for an increased input area for the user, without the increase in cost associated with a larger screen. Moreover, this allows for a smooth, flat, and sleek upper surface of the remote control. In one embodiment of the present invention, a remote control provides different user experiences based upon the context of use of the remote control. For instance, the color of the screen as well as the color of backlighting for certain buttons is dependent upon what mode the remote control is in.

Claims

1. A remote control having a housing with a bottom surface and a top surface, the remote control comprising:

a display;

a transparent covering placed on top of the display substantially level with the top surface; and

a touch-sensitive pad placed beneath the transparent covering, wherein the touch-sensitive pad is larger than the display, so that the user can manipulate the touch-sensitive area by touching the area directly on top of the display as well as by touching areas of the top surface of the remote control beyond the display.

2. The remote control of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of user input elements, wherein each of the plurality of user input elements is coupled to the touch-sensitive pad, and wherein a first part of each of the plurality of user input elements is on the display, and a second part of each of the plurality of input elements is not on the display.

3. The remote control of claim 2, wherein the functionality of at least one of the plurality of user input elements changes based on a state of the remote.

4. The remote control of claim 2, further comprising:

a second plurality of user input elements, wherein each of the second plurality of user input elements operates a mechanical switch.

5. The remote control of claim 1, wherein the touch-sensitive area uses capacitive technology.

6. A method for providing a user with an intuitive user interface for a remote control, the remote control having a display and a plurality of user-input elements, the remote control capable of being in one of a plurality of modes, the method comprising:

assessing a mode in which the remote control is; and

based upon the assessment, modifying the appearance of one of the plurality of user-input elements to provide the user with a visual indication regarding the mode.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the mode is one of a group consisting of activity mode, device mode and options mode.

8. The method of claim 6, further comprising:

based upon the assessment, modifying the appearance of the display.