US 2008/0302582 A1 · Easy to Use and Intuitive User Interface for a Remote Control

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.

Claims8

Dependent claims

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.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

11/864,242Filed 28 Sep 2007

Priority

15 Mar 2000

Published

11 Dec 2008

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification5 codes

G08C 17/02
Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link: using a radio link
G08C 19/28
In which transmission is by pulses: using pulse code
G08C 23/04
Non-electrical signal transmission systems, e.g. optical systems: using light waves, e.g. infrared
G08C 2201/21
Binding and programming of remote control devices: programming remote control devices via third means

Family

Application60/189,487Us provisional application · filed 15 Mar 2000

Application09/804,623Continuation · filed 12 Mar 2001

Application11/864,242Continuation

US 2001/0033243 A1Published application

US 8,742,905 B2Related patent

US 2008/0302582 A1This patent

From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.

Easy to Use and Intuitive User Interface for a Remote Control

Life of this patent

Easy to Use and Intuitive User Interface for a Remote Control

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims8