Abstract:
A system for interactive viewing by a child of DVD media content on a television includes: a DVD having media content organized into child-oriented programs; user interface (UI) components each specific to a respective program; and a remote control component configured to send, in response to actuation of a switch, infrared remote control signals, representative of an industry standard DVD remote control button press, to the DVD player. Each program is configured to display, on a television, video content of the DVD and menus of selection options displayed using child-recognizable icons for program navigation. Each UI component can be coupled to the remote control component and includes icons that correspond visually to icons displayed in the navigational menus. Pressing an icon of a UI component coupled to the remote control component sends infrared remote control signals to the DVD player that indicate to the DVD player a chosen selection option.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     The present application is a continuation of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S. nonprovisional utility patent application Ser. No. 10/334,540, filed Dec. 31, 2002, which patent application is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     I. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to remote controls for DVD players. More specifically, the present invention relates to a universal DVD remote control that incorporates title-specific interchangeable faceplates. Such a remote control can be used with a DVD player to navigate through and use programs provided in DVD format.  
         [0004]     II. Description of the Related Art  
         [0005]     Historically, the recording and playback of sound and video has involved dumb media and smart machines. Vinyl records are simply mechanical grooves from which a phonograph could interpret and produce sound and music. Audio tapes are recorded using a recording head that magnetizes the tape in a pattern that is reflective of the sound to be recorded. During playback, the tape moves past a playback head. The magnetic fields from the magnetized region of the tape sweep past the playback head and cause fluctuating electric currents to flow through the head. The changing magnetic field produces an electric field in the head which is amplified and used to operate the speakers to produce the recorded sound. Thus, the magnetized regions of the tape provide the same function as the mechanical grooves of a phonograph record. Video tapes work in a similar fashion with recording heads to create magnetic patterns on the tape and playback heads to read those magnetic patterns.  
         [0006]     Even in the digital age, compact discs are dumb. A recording device creates lands and pits representing ones and zeroes on the disc. The compact disc player then lo reads the lands and pits and processes them to play back sound and video. Whether it is a phonograph, an audio tape player, a video tape player or even a CD player, all of the logic and intelligence is located in the player rather than in the media used with the player.  
         [0007]     Various systematic disadvantages arise from the approach of using dumb media and smart players. For example, it is almost impossible to change the way the user interacts with the media to any significant degree. Even with audio compact discs, the media is so limited that the only option really available to the user is to change the order in which the songs recorded on the media are played. The creator of content for media such as phonograph records, audio tapes, video tapes and even compact discs are severely restricted since they are only able to use functions of the player in only the prescribed manner in developing content.  
         [0008]     Over the past 20 years, video cassette recorders, compact disc players, televisions, stereo receivers, audio tape players and the like have been sold with a user interface on the machine itself, as well as a remote control which provides a second user interface. Until very recently, each remote control was designed specifically for use with a particular type and model of device. More recently, remote control function has become more standardized. As such, universal and teachable remote controls are now offered for sale which interface with multiple consumer electronic hardware products in the home.  
         [0009]     Digital versatile disc (DVD) represents a sea change. DVD players are smarter than their predecessors. More importantly, DVD media (the authored discs) are very smart. DVD video players support a wide range of digital formats and allow many avenues of access through a standardized set of commands. The authors of DVD media can take advantage of these capabilities to create a variety of products, all of which can be played on the DVD player. The remote control of the DVD player can be used to access the various features of the DVD media. Such access can be through numbers on the remote control&#39;s keypad, the remote control&#39;s arrows that move a cursor around a menu, or through the remote control&#39;s direct input keys. As such, a standard DVD remote control is the most complex consumer interface yet produced.  
         [0010]     The DVD&#39;s specification universally adopted by most manufacturers assigns key functions to each key or button of the remote control However, a DVD disc can be authored to use that function or key in a completely different manner than that intended by the specification. For example, a DVD disc could be authored so that the viewer has to enter an entire numeric code to gain access to the disc or certain sections of the program. Also, the DVD disc can be authored to perform entirely different functions in response to signals created by the user pressing the direct input keys than those contemplated by the standard. Such capabilities represent opportunities heretofore unknown in the consumer electronic industry for media authors.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     The present invention takes advantage of the capabilities of DVD players and expands the usefulness of DVD media by providing a totally unique remote control having interchangeable faceplates, each of which is matched to one or more DVD disks. Specifically, icons on the faceplate are matched to icons in program menus displayed on television when the DVD disk is played in the DVD player. The viewer can press the matching icon on the remote control to navigate and use the program.  
         [0012]     This invention has a variety of applications. First, the present invention can be used in international or multi-lingual environments. Internationally recognizable icons can be incorporated into the program and a matching faceplate for a remote control so that language barriers do not preclude one from using the program.  
         [0013]     Second, the present invention has broad application for media designed for young children who can learn, but have not yet learned to read. Programs designed for them can include icons that match those on the faceplate. The icons can, for example, be cartoon characters, shapes, colors, numbers or letters. The program can be a learning tool that captures the child&#39;s attention and the remote control equipped with the title-specific faceplate can easily be used by the child to direct the program. The child does not become frustrated by the user interface because the matching icons of the program and the faceplate are geared to his or her level. Also, depending upon the program itself, the child receives constant feedback. Children&#39;s programs on DVD can be in the form of either entertainment or educational media.  
         [0014]     Third, the present invention permits DVD media to be combined with books, such as children&#39;s books, to provide an interactive multimedia experience. For example, a book can be packaged with a DVD media capable of being played on any DVD player. Switches are built into the book beneath pictures or other icons printed on the pages of the book. Thus, the pages of the book become the faceplate of the remote control for the DVD player. As the switches are actuated, signals are sent to the DVD player which control the operation of the DVD player based upon software instructions coded on the DVD media.  
         [0015]     Fourth, the present application has application as a low cost training aid. For example, the DVD player and television set, in conjunction with the program stored on the DVD media, can function as a simulator for any of a variety of pieces of equipment such as hazardous material disposal equipment, medical equipment, manufacturing equipment or the like. The faceplate for the remote control can be designed to match the controls for the piece of equipment, the operation of which is simulated by the program recorded on the DVD disc. A specific advantage provided by applicant&#39;s invention is that any of a variety of pieces of equipment can be the subject of the simulation using the same television, player and remote control. All the creator of the simulation needs to provide is the program on a DVD disk and a matching faceplate.  
         [0016]     The type and number of applications of the present invention can be expanded further through use of the programmable memory registers of a standard DVD video player. Such players have sixteen  32  kilobyte programmable memory registers. These registers can be used for a variety of functions such as tracking scores in a DVD-based game, monitoring progress through a DVD-based lesson, or even tailoring the program recorded on the DVD based upon the ability level of a user.  
         [0017]     A greater understanding of the present invention and the advantages it affords can be derived from the following detailed description of the invention in light of the drawings which form a part of this disclosure. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram showing the components of the present invention in accordance with a first preferred embodiment.  
         [0019]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of the remote control base unit of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0020]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a remote control faceplate of  FIG. 1  coupled to the remote control base unit of  FIG. 2 .  
         [0021]      FIG. 4  is a diagram showing a faceplate for a numbers and counting game showing the pin configuration for each button of the faceplate.  
         [0022]      FIG. 5  is a diagram showing the faceplate for another program showing the pin configuration for each button of the faceplate.  
         [0023]      FIG. 6  is a diagram showing still another faceplate used with still a different program and the pin configuration for said faceplate.  
         [0024]      FIGS. 7A-7C  are top views of examples of some of the components of the present invention in accordance with another preferred embodiment.  
         [0025]      FIG. 8  is a diagram of a book equipped so that the pages of the book serve as remote control faceplates.  
         [0026]      FIG. 9  is a diagram of the embodiment available as an alternative to  FIG. 8  wherein all of the remote control circuitry is built into the book. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0027]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , programs taking advantage of the present invention are played using a television  100  which is connected to a standard DVD player  102 . Programs stored on a DVD are inserted into the DVD player  102 . To navigate through the program, a remote control  103  is provided. The remote control  103  includes a base unit  104  and at least one interchangeable, title-specific interactive faceplate  105  having a set of switches labeled with icons that correspond to icons displayed by the program on the television  100  when the program is played on the DVD player  102 . As indicated, the interactive faceplates  105  are interchangeable.  FIGS. 4-8  show some examples of the many interchangeable faceplates  105  that can be coupled to the base unit  104  to control the programs associated with the faceplates  105 .  
         [0028]     As indicated above, the remote control  103  of the present invention consists of two major separate components--a base unit  104  and at least one interchangeable faceplate  105 . The construction of the base unit  104  is shown in  FIG. 2 . The basic construction of a remote control faceplate  105  is shown in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0029]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the base unit  104  has a control chip  110 . This is a standard control chip commonly used in any universal or DVD specific remote control. Supplying power to the remote control  103  is a battery  112 . The control chip  110  also includes a female connector  114 . Thirty different electrical paths  1 - 30  are provided from the connector  114  to the control chip  110 . Finally, the base unit includes a transmitter, typically an IR lamp  116  which is illuminated by the control chip  110  to send command signals to the DVD player  102 .  
         [0030]     Control chips for DVD remotes include certain standard pins. These pins are used to create the electrical paths  1 - 30  from the female connector  114  to the control chip  110 . The signals received by the control chip  110  via each of the pins are intended to cause the control chip  110  to send specific signals to the player  102  via the IR lamp  116 . The design of the female connector  114  of the present invention is such that it can be quickly and easily mated with a male connector  118  of any of a number of interchangeable, title-specific faceplates  105 . In addition to the male connector  118 , the faceplates  105  each have at least one switch  120 . Each switch is colored, labeled or shaped to correspond to the icons displayed by the program with which the particular faceplate  105  is associated. Each switch  120  is wired to the male connector  118  such that when the switch is actuated, a signal indicative of the switch actuation can be processed by the controller chip  110 . In response to this signal, the controller chip  110  causes the IR lamp  116  to illuminate in a given pattern to send a message indicative of the specific switch closure to a receiver in the player  102 .  
         [0031]     The various switches  120  of the faceplate  105  are each electrically connected to the male connector  118  in such a way that when the male connector  118  and female connector  114  are connected and a switch is actuated, the control chip  110  knows which switch  120  has been actuated. The control chip  110  responds to the closure of different switches  120  by causing the IR lamp  116  to send a different signal to the player  102 .  
         [0032]     In  FIG. 3 , the faceplate  105  has two switches  121  and  122 . Switches  121  and  122  are both wired to the male connector  118  such that when it is connected to the female connector  114 , the control chip  110  knows when a switch is actuated and which switch is actuated. As  FIG. 3  suggests, actuation of switch  121  causes the control chip  110  to receive a current through pin  11 . Likewise, when switch  122  is actuated, the control chip  110  receives a current through pin  19 . Switch  121  is also connected to another pin of the male connector  118 . In response to receipt of a current via a particular pin, the control chip  110  causes the remote control  103  to send a signal to the player  102 . Specifically, the control chip  110  illuminates the IR lamp  116  such that the IR lamp  116  sends a signal indicative of the “number 1” button of a standard remote control being depressed when switch  121  is depressed. This is true irrespective of the specific icon shape of the switch or the specific icon with which the switch is labeled. Likewise, when switch  122  is depressed, the remote control  103  sends a signal indicative of the “number  9 ” button of a standard remote control being depressed. How the program playing on the player  102  responds to receipt of these signals depends upon its design. Also, all of this is transparent to the user.  
         [0033]     The advantages of the present invention from a user standpoint may be better understood with reference to  FIGS. 4-6 . In  FIG. 4 , the user interface is simplified by providing a faceplate that only includes eleven switches rather than the total of twenty-nine present on most standard DVD remotes. The faceplate shown in FIG.  4  is suitable for use with counting games. The faceplate includes a power button  206  coupled via the male connector  118  and female connector  114  to pin  1  and pin  30  of the control chip  110 . The faceplate includes a menu button  208  coupled by connectors  118  and  114  to pin  3  and pin  30  of the control chip  110 . The faceplate also includes nine number buttons, each of which are coupled by connectors to the neutral pin  30  and another appropriate pin of the control chip  110 . When the male connector  118  is coupled to the female connector  114  and any of the switch buttons is actuated, control chip  110  senses the switch closure and causes the IR lamp  116  to send the appropriate signal to the player  102 .  
         [0034]      FIG. 5  shows another faceplate that provides even a simpler interface. It includes only seven switch buttons, each of which are electrically connected to the neutral pin  30  of the control chip  110  via the male connector  118  and the female connector  114 . Each switch is also connected to an appropriate second pin of the control chip  110  for that switch via the connectors  114  and  118 . When the faceplate shown in  FIG. 7  and base  104  are attached together via the male connector  118  and female connector  114 , depression of any of the switch buttons on the faceplate causes the control chip  110  and, thus the IR lamp  116 , to send a corresponding signal to the player  102 .  
         [0035]      FIGS. 4 and 5  show faceplates that simplify the user interface by reducing the number of switch buttons and making the remaining switch buttons larger and more attractive and easier to manipulate.  FIG. 6  (like  FIG. 3 ) shows faceplate having a completely different set of switch buttons than that contemplated by the standards used to create standard remote controls and players.  FIG. 6  has only four switch buttons—a power button  206 , a menu button  208 , a monkey button  209  and a giraffe button  210 . The power and menu buttons are wired to create connections to the power and menu pins of the control chip  110  respectively when the male connector  118  and female connector  114  are joined together. Both are also wired to create a connection to the neutral pin of the control chip  110  as well. When the faceplate shown in  FIG. 6  is connected to the base unit  104  such that the male connector  118  of the faceplate and the female connector  114  of the base  104  are electrically coupled together, actuation of the monkey button  209  causes the remote control  103  to generate a signal indicative of the “number 1” of a standard remote control. Pressing the giraffe button  210  sends a signal indicative of the “number 2” of a standard remote control. The player  102  processes these “number 1” and “number 2” signals based upon the program being played. In a well designed children&#39;s game, the giraffe and monkey buttons on the faceplate will match the icons displayed by the game on the television  101  to which the player  102  is attached.  
         [0036]     Although not shown, other faceplates having buttons of different shapes and colors that can be wired to a male connector  118  in a predefined manner so the controller can send the desired standard signal to the DVD player upon actuation of each button.  
         [0037]     From the foregoing, it should be clear that the faceplate  5  can include one to twenty-nine switch buttons. More, of course, can be added if a control chip other than a standard DVD chip is used in the remote and if the player can respond to a larger number of different signals. The switch buttons can be any shape, color or size. The switch buttons can be labeled with text or other symbols. What is important is that the switch buttons match (or at least correspond to) icons displayed on the television  1  or monitor attached to DVD player  2 . The user simply presses the switch button that matches an icon on the screen with a menu selection from a menu of options shown on the screen to signal the program. The icons can be any shape, color, size, character, number, letter, symbol or group thereof. The present invention is highly useful in creating a simple user interface such that selection options shown on the screen of the television or other type of monitor match the switch buttons on the remote control.  
         [0038]     A key to preferred embodiments that include faceplates is the connection between the male connector of the faceplate with the female connector of the base. This can be accomplished in any of a variety of ways. The base unit and faceplate can be designed to snap together. These components can be built to incorporate interlocking rails or grooves. Even fabric hook and loop-type fasteners could be used. An extension cable can be used to electrically connect the male and female connectors, particularly if the user wants to be able to manipulate the switches from a position out of a direct line of sight from the DVD player  102 . Such an extension cable permits the faceplate  105  and the base unit  104  to function together even if the faceplate  105  is positioned remotely from the base unit  104 .  
         [0039]     Further, while specific connectors are shown in the drawings, other connectors would be used. Also, reversing the connectors so the male connector is on the base and the female connector is on the faceplate is well within the scope of this invention. Whatever connectors and arrangement of connectors are used, there must be an output on the faceplate coupled to an input on the base unit such that the depression of any switch on the faceplate will cause the remote control  103  to issue a predetermined command to the player  102 .  
         [0040]     Further, while specific embodiments of a remote control base unit  104  and interchangeable faceplates  105  have been shown and described in  FIGS. 1-6 , other implementations of a remote control having interchangeable user interface components are likewise conceivable and included within the scope of the present invention. For example,  FIGS. 7A-7C  are top views of examples of some of the components of the present invention in accordance with another preferred embodiment. In this embodiment, the remote control base unit  104  of the remote control  103  of  FIG. 3  has been replaced by a generic remote control unit  104  (an example of which is labeled “REMOTE” in  FIG. 7A ) having fifteen buttons, and the interchangeable faceplates  105  of the remote control  103  of  FIG. 3  has been replaced by interchangeable inserts  105  (an example of which is labeled “INSERT” in  FIG. 7B ). As will be noted, the exemplary insert  105  of  FIG. 7B  includes three icons similar to the three primary icons printed on the faceplate  105  of  FIG. 6 .  
         [0041]     The generic “remote”  104  of  FIG. 7A  includes a retention flange  123  extending substantially around three of its four edges, and each interchangeable insert  105  is sized and configured to slide along the top surface of the remote  104 , underneath the retention flange  123 , as shown in  FIG. 7C . When the exemplary insert  105  is coupled to the remote  104  by sliding the insert  104  beneath the retention flange  123  as described, the monkey icon is positioned over buttons  1 - 6 , the house icon is positioned over button  8 , and the giraffe icon is positioned over buttons  10 - 15 . Thus, the respective buttons on the remote  104  may be depressed, thereby actuating corresponding switches in the remote  104 , by pressing the corresponding icons on the insert  105 .  
         [0042]     Still further implementations of a remote control having interchangeable user interface components are shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , which are representative of a highly advantageous application of the present invention. In  FIG. 8 , the faceplates  105  are in the form of pages of a book. Located beneath various icons printed on the pages of the book are switches  120 . Each switch is electrically coupled to the male connector  118  via a junction connector  119  located in the spine of the book and a cable  121  used to join the junction connector  119  to the male connector  118 . These electrical connections are all made so that when the male connector  118  is joined to the female connector  114  of the base unit  104  shown in  FIG. 2 , the control chip  110  knows which switch  120  has been actuated. Thus, the control chip  110  can properly respond to the closure of any of the different switches  120  by causing the IR lamp  116  (see  FIG. 2 ) to send the appropriate signal to the player  102  (see  FIG. 1 ) to make the desired menu selection of the program stored on the DVD media.  
         [0043]     The embodiment of  FIG. 9  incorporates all of the remote control circuitry into the book itself. The switches are all directly wired to the control chip  110 . The control chip  110  is powered by a battery  112 . The control chip  110 , upon actuation of a switch  120 , causes the IR lamp  116  to send the appropriate signal to the player  102  (see  FIG. 1 ) to make the desired menu selection of the program controlling the player.  
         [0044]     Finally, the various faceplates shown in the drawings are just some examples of suitable faceplates. Virtually any arrangement, shape, size, color and labeling of the switch buttons can be used. The number of switches can range from one to twenty-nine or even higher. This is all dependent on the design of the program and creativity of the developer in developing a user interface that takes advantage of the present invention.