Abstract:
There are disclosed control devices ( 30, 300, 600 ) for controlling a display device ( 80, 380, 680 ). According to one embodiment, the control device ( 30 ) is operable in multiple orientations. In response to detecting the change of orientation of the control device ( 30 ), a navigation menu ( 920 ) in relation to content ( 810, 820, 830 ) displayed by the display device ( 80 ) is generated in a processor ( 60 ) of the control device ( 30 ). The navigation menu ( 920 ) generated by the processor ( 60 ) is then displayed on a control device display ( 90 ) of the control device ( 30 ) to facilitate controlling the display device ( 80 ). There are also disclosed methods of controlling a display device using the aforementioned control devices ( 30, 300, 600 ).

Description:
FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a method and device for controlling a display device, and is of particular but by no means exclusive application in controlling a display of an in-flight entertainment (IFE) system of an aircraft. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Handset devices of IFE systems have evolved over the years from simple devices consisting of a few buttons to complex devices having multiple input mechanisms. Examples of input mechanisms used in handset devices of IFE systems include keypads, gamepads, trackballs, joysticks, scroll wheels, touch pads, track pads etc. Typically, each one of the input mechanisms of a handset device is used independently from the other input mechanisms. For example, the remote control of a known IFE system comprises a first keypad that is used to switch between movies, and a second keypad that is used to play games. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a method of controlling a display device using a control device that is operable in multiple orientations, the method including: 
     detecting a change of orientation of the control device; 
     in response to detecting the change of orientation of the control device, generating a navigation menu in relation to content displayed by the display device in a processor of the control device; and 
     displaying the navigation menu generated by the processor on a control device display of the control device to facilitate controlling the display device. 
     The navigation menu may comprise a number of shortcuts or links for changing the content displayed by the display device. Additionally or alternatively, the navigation menu may comprise a portion of the content displayed by the display device. 
     The navigation menu may be generated based on the data received by the control device. Also, the navigation menu may comprise a video, audio, or video and audio control menu. 
     The method may include controlling the control device to control the content displayed on the display device. 
     In an embodiment, the step of controlling the control device includes changing the content displayed on the display device. 
     The method may include generating a new navigation menu in relation to the new content displayed by the display device, and displaying the new navigation menu in relation to the new content on the control device display of the control device. 
     In an embodiment, the control device display is a touchscreen display that is responsive to a touch input, and the step of controlling the control device includes providing the touch input to the touchscreen display to control the display device. 
     In an embodiment, the touch input includes a swiping or paging action by a user on the touchscreen display. 
     In an embodiment, the touch input includes a single touch action by the user on the touchscreen display. 
     The method may include controlling the control device to control the navigation menu displayed on the control device display without changing the content displayed on the display. 
     In an embodiment, the control device display is a touchscreen display that is responsive to a touch input, and the step of controlling the control device includes providing a touch input to the touchscreen display. 
     In an embodiment, the display device comprises a touchscreen display for displaying the content. 
     In an embodiment, the change in orientation is detected by an orientation detection mechanism, and the orientation detection mechanism is a gyroscope. 
     The present invention provides a control device for controlling a display device, the control device being operable in multiple orientations and including: 
     an orientation detection mechanism adapted to detect a change of orientation of the control device; 
     a processor configured to generate a navigation menu in relation to content displayed on the display device in response to a detection of the change of orientation by the orientation detection mechanism; and 
     a control device display for displaying the navigation menu generated by the processor to facilitate controlling the display device. 
     In an embodiment, the navigation menu comprises a number of shortcuts or links for changing the content displayed by the display device. 
     In an embodiment, the navigation menu comprises a portion of the content displayed by the display device. 
     In an embodiment, the navigation menu is generated based on the data received by the control device. 
     In an embodiment, the navigation menu comprises a video, audio, or video and audio control menu. 
     In an embodiment, the control device is adapted to control the content displayed on the display device. 
     In an embodiment, the control device controls the content displayed on the display device by changing the content displayed on the display device. 
     In an embodiment, the control device changes the content displayed on the display device by: 
     generating a new navigation menu in relation to the new content displayed by the display device; and 
     displaying the new navigation menu in relation to the new content on the control device display of the control device. 
     In an embodiment, the control device display is a touchscreen display that is responsive to a touch input, and the control device controls the content displayed on the display device based on the touch input to the touchscreen. 
     In an embodiment, the touch input includes a swiping or paging action by a user on the touchscreen display. 
     In an embodiment, the touch input includes a single touch action by the user on the touchscreen display. 
     In an embodiment, the control device is adapted to control the navigation menu displayed on the control device display without changing the content displayed on the display. 
     In an embodiment, the control device display is a touchscreen display that is responsive to a touch input, and the control device controls the navigation menu displayed on the control device display based on the touch input to the touchscreen display. 
     In an embodiment, the display device comprises a touchscreen display for displaying the content. 
     In an embodiment, the orientation detection mechanism is a gyroscope. 
     The invention also provides a method of controlling a display device using a control device, the method including: 
     receiving a selection of a navigation mode for the control device; 
     in response to a receipt of the selection of the navigation mode, generating contextual information in relation to content displayed by the display device in a processor of the control device; and 
     displaying the contextual information generated by the processor on a control device display of the control device to facilitate controlling the display device. 
     In an embodiment, the control device display is a touchscreen display that is responsive to a touch input, and the method may include providing the touch input to the touchscreen display. In that event, the selection of the navigation mode is received upon the touch input being provided to the touchscreen display. The touch input may be a swiping, paging or dragging action close to a perimeter of the touchscreen display. 
     In an embodiment, the contextual information comprises a navigation menu. 
     In an embodiment, the contextual information comprises a portion of the content displayed by the display device. 
     In an embodiment, the contextual information is generated based on the data received by the control device. 
     In an embodiment the contextual information comprises a video, audio, or video and audio control menu. 
     The method may include controlling the control device display to control the content displayed on the display device. 
     The step of controlling the control device may include changing the content displayed on the display device. In that event, the method includes generating contextual information in relation to the new content displayed by the display device in the processor of the control device. In addition, the method includes displaying the contextual information in relation to the new content on the control device display of the control device. 
     In an embodiment, the control device display is a touchscreen display that is responsive to a touch input, and the step of controlling the control device includes providing the touch input to the touchscreen display to control the display device. 
     In an embodiment, the touch input includes a swiping or paging action by a user on the touchscreen display. 
     In another, although not the only possible, other embodiment, the touch input includes a single touch action by the user on the touchscreen display. 
     In another, although not the only possible, other embodiment, the touch input includes a tracking or dragging action. 
     The method may include controlling the control device display to control the contextual information displayed on the control device display without changing the content displayed on the display. 
     In an embodiment where the control device display is the touchscreen display that is responsive to the touch input, and the step of controlling the control device includes providing the touch input to the touchscreen display. 
     In an embodiment, the display device comprises a touchscreen display for displaying the content. 
     The invention also provides a control device for controlling a display device, the control device including: 
     a processor configured to receive a selection of a navigation mode for the control device, and to generate contextual information in relation to content displayed by the display device in response to a receipt of the selection of the navigation mode; and 
     a control device display for displaying the contextual information generated by the processor to facilitate controlling the display device. 
     In an embodiment, the control device display is a touchscreen display that is responsive to a touch input, and the processor receives the selection of the navigation mode upon the touch input being provided to the touchscreen display. 
     In an embodiment, the touch input is a swiping, paging or dragging action close to a perimeter of the touchscreen display. 
     In an embodiment, the contextual information comprises a navigation menu. 
     In an embodiment, the contextual information comprises a portion of the content displayed by the display device. 
     In an embodiment, the contextual information is generated based on data received by the control device. 
     In an embodiment, the contextual information comprises a video, audio, or video and audio control menu. 
     In an embodiment, the control device is adapted to control the content displayed on the display device. 
     In an embodiment, the control device controls the content displayed on the display device by changing the content displayed on the display device. 
     In an embodiment, the control device changes the content displayed on the display device by: 
     generating contextual information in relation to new content displayed by the display device; and 
     displaying the contextual information in relation to the new content on the control device display of the control device. 
     In an embodiment, the control device display is a touchscreen display, and the control device controls the content displayed on the display device based on the touch input to the touchscreen. 
     In an embodiment, the touch input includes a swiping, paging or dragging action by a user on the touchscreen display. 
     In an embodiment, the touch input includes a single touch action by the user on the touchscreen display. 
     In an embodiment, the control device is adapted to control the navigation menu displayed on the control device display without changing the content displayed on the display. 
     In an embodiment, the control device display is a touchscreen display that is responsive to a touch input, and the control device controls the navigation menu displayed on the control device display based on the touch input to the touchscreen display. 
     In an embodiment, the display device comprises a touchscreen display for displaying the content. 
     The present invention also provides a method of controlling a display device using a control device that is operable in multiple navigation modes, the method including: 
     receiving a selection of a navigation mode for the control device where the navigation mode is (a) a first navigation mode where a control device display of the control device displays information to facilitate controlling the display device or (b) a second navigation mode where the control device display does not display information to facilitate controlling the display device; and 
     controlling the control device display to either display on the control device display information to facilitate controlling the display device in response to receiving a selection of the first navigation mode or not display on the control device display information to facilitate controlling the display device in response to receiving a selection of the second navigation mode. 
     In an embodiment, the control device display is a touchscreen display responsive to a touch input, and the user input is the touch input. 
     In an embodiment, the first navigation mode is a touchpad mode where the touchscreen display displays information to facilitate controlling the display device. 
     In an embodiment, the second navigation mode is a trackpad mode where the touchscreen display does not display information to facilitate controlling the display device. 
     In an embodiment, the step of controlling the control device display to not display on the control device display information to facilitate controlling the display device includes disabling the control device display from displaying any information. 
     In an embodiment, the step of controlling the control device display to not display on the control device display information to facilitate controlling the display device includes controlling the control device display to display a blank image. 
     The method may include displaying an indicator on the display device in response to receiving a selection of the second navigation mode. 
     The method may include receiving a touch input from the touchscreen display to control content displayed on the display device after receiving a selection of the second navigation mode. 
     In an embodiment, the touch input is a dragging action, and the position of the indicator displayed on the display device is modified according to the dragging action upon the dragging action being provided to the touchscreen display. 
     In an embodiment, the touch input is a tapping action. 
     In an embodiment, the touch input is a swiping action. 
     The method may include receiving a user input to control content displayed on the display device after receiving a selection of the second navigation mode. 
     In an embodiment, the user input is a hand motion detected by a motion detector. 
     In an embodiment, the motion detector is an infrared sensor. 
     In an embodiment, the display device comprises a touchscreen display for displaying the content. 
     The present invention also provides a control device for controlling a display device, the control device being operable in multiple navigation modes and including: 
     a control device display; and 
     a processor configured to receive a selection of a navigation mode for the control device where the navigation mode is (a) a first navigation mode where the control device display displays information to facilitate controlling the display device or (b) a second navigation mode where the control device display does not display information to facilitate controlling the display device, and control the control device display to either display on the control device display information to facilitate controlling the display device in response to receiving a selection of the first navigation mode or not display on the control device display information to facilitate controlling the display device in response to receiving a selection of the second navigation mode. 
     In an embodiment, the control device display is a touchscreen display responsive to a touch input, and the user input is the touch input. 
     In an embodiment, the first navigation mode is a touchpad mode where the touchscreen display displays information to facilitate controlling the display device. 
     In an embodiment, the second navigation mode is a trackpad mode where the touchscreen display does not display information to facilitate controlling the display device. 
     In an embodiment, the processor controls the control device display to not display on the control device display information to facilitate controlling the display device by disabling the control device display from displaying any information. 
     In an embodiment, the processor controls the control device display to not display on the control device display information to facilitate controlling the display device by controlling the control device display to display a blank image. 
     In an embodiment, an indicator is displayed on the display device upon the processor receiving a selection of the second navigation mode. 
     In an embodiment, the processor is configured to receive a touch input from the touchscreen display to control content displayed on the display device after receiving a selection of the second navigation mode. 
     In an embodiment, the touch input is a dragging action, and the position of the indicator displayed on the display device is modified according to the dragging action upon the dragging action being provided to the touchscreen display. 
     In an embodiment, the touch input is a tapping action. 
     In an embodiment, the touch input is a swiping action. 
     In an embodiment, the processor is configured to receive a user input to control content displayed on the display device after receiving a selection of the second navigation mode. 
     In an embodiment, the user input is a hand motion detected by a motion detector. 
     In an embodiment, the motion detector is an infrared sensor. 
     In an embodiment, the display device comprises a touchscreen display for displaying the content. 
     The invention also provides an in-flight entertainment system comprising a plurality of system units, each one of the system units comprising: 
     a touchscreen display for displaying the content; and 
     any one of the above control devices. 
     The invention also provides an aircraft comprising the above in-flight entertainment system. 
     It should be noted that any of the various features of each of the above aspects of the invention and of the various features of the embodiments described below, and indeed the various aspects themselves, can be combined as suitable and desired. It should also be noted that each of the individual features of the embodiments described below, alone or in combination with one or more other such features, constitute still further aspects of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       In order that the invention may be more clearly ascertained, embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a block diagram of the physical components of a control device and a display device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 1B  is a functional block diagram of the functional components implemented by the processor of the control device of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2  is flow chart of a method of controlling a display device carried out by the control device of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 3A  is a block diagram of the physical components of a control device and a display device in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3B  is a functional block diagram of the functional components implemented by the processor of the control device of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4  is flow chart of a method of controlling a display device carried out by the control device of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are schematic diagrams of illustrating examples of content and contextual information; 
         FIGS. 6A to 6H  are screen mock-ups illustrating a series of content and contextual information; 
         FIGS. 7A to 7C  are screen mock-ups illustrating another series of content and contextual information; 
         FIGS. 8A to 8E  are screen mock-ups illustrating yet another series of content and contextual information; and 
         FIG. 9A  is a block diagram of the physical components of a control device and a display device in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 9B  is a functional block diagram of the functional components implemented by the processor of the control device of  FIG. 9A ; and 
         FIG. 10  is flow chart of a method of controlling a display device carried out by the control device of  FIG. 9A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In general terms, the invention described in relation to the figures is a method of controlling a display device using a control device that is operable in at least two different modes of operation. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 3A and 3B , there is illustrated a control device  30  (in the form of a handset controller) for controlling a display device  80  (such as a display of an in-flight entertainment (IFE) system) adapted to display content (such as a video stream, a navigation menu etc) to a user. The control device  30  is configured to receive a selection of a navigation mode for the control device  30 , and to generate and display contextual information in relation to the content displayed on the display device  80  in response to a receipt of the selection of the navigation mode. Thus, the contextual information generated and displayed by the control device  30  depends on the selection of navigation mode for the control device  30 . 
     In an advantageous embodiment, the control device  30  is adapted to receive the selection of the navigation mode upon a change of orientation of the control device  30 . This embodiment of the control device  30  is advantageous in that it enables a user of the control device  30  to easily or quickly change the contextual information generated and displayed by the control device  30  by simply changing the orientation of the control device  30 . 
     In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the control device  30  is additionally configured to communicate with the display device  80  to control the display device  80  in different modes of operation based on the orientation of the control device  30 . This particularly advantageous embodiment has an additional advantage that it enables a user of the control device  30  to easily or quickly alternate between different ways of controlling the display device  80  by simply changing the orientation of the control device  30 . 
       FIG. 1A  is a block diagram of the physical components of an embodiment of the control device  30  in data communication with a display device  80 . In this embodiment, the display device  80  is an IFE touchscreen display and the control device  30  is a handset controller for controlling the IFE display. However, it is envisaged that the display device  80  may not be an IFE display and that the control device  30  may not be a handset controller for controlling an IFE display. In particular, it is envisaged that the display device  80  need not be a touchscreen display. 
     The control device  30  comprises an orientation detection mechanism  50 , a processor  60  and a display  90 . 
     The orientation detection mechanism  50  is adapted to detect a change of orientation of the control device  30 . In this embodiment, the orientation detection mechanism  50  is a gyroscope. However, it is envisaged that the orientation detection mechanism  50  may not be a gyroscope. For example, the orientation mechanism  50  may alternatively be an accelerometer in an alternative embodiment. Also, it is envisaged that there may be two or more separate mechanisms in the orientation detection mechanism  50 . For example, the orientation mechanism  50  may include an accelerometer in addition to a gyroscope in an alternative embodiment. 
     The processor  60  is configured to generate contextual information in relation to the content displayed on the IFE display  80 . The processor  60  generates the contextual information automatically in response to detection by the orientation detection mechanism  50  that there is a change of orientation of the control device  30 . Examples of contextual information that may be generated by the processor  60  include: a simplified or modified version of the content displayed by the IFE display  80  (such as a version including only text and not the images of the content, a version comprising only a portion of the content, or a scaled down version of the content), a navigation menu comprising a number of shortcuts or links for enabling a user to control the IFE display  80  to change the content displayed on the IFE display  80  etc. A more detailed description of an example of the contextual information generated by the processor  60  is provided below. 
     The display  90  of the control device  30  is adapted to display the contextual information generated by the processor  60 . The control device  30  is configured to display the contextual information generated by the processor  60  on the display  90  automatically after the contextual information is generated by the processor  60 . 
     In this embodiment, the display  90  is a touchscreen display adapted to receive a touch input (for example, when a user performs on the display  90  a swiping or paging action, a tracking or dragging action, a single tap action, a double tap action, a press and hold action etc). New Contextual information may be generated by the processor  60  and displayed by the touchscreen display  90  in response to either a change of orientation detected by the gyroscope  50  or a touch input on the display  90  from a user. For example, the IFE display  80  may change the content displayed by the IFE display  80  from one of a series of inter-related content (such a photograph or picture of an album) to a subsequent one of the series of inter-related content when a user performs a swiping or paging action on the touchscreen display  90 . Also, contextual information displayed on the touchscreen display  90  may be modified while a user is touching the touchscreen display  90 . For example, the touchscreen display  90  may highlight a portion of the content displayed by the IFE display  80  corresponding to a portion displayed by the touchscreen display  90  depending on the spatial position of the finger on the touchscreen display  90 , or when a user performs a tracking or dragging action on the touchscreen display  90  to the portion displayed by the touchscreen display  90 . 
     The control device  30  also includes a communication interface  20 . The communication interface  30  enables the control device  30  to communicate with the IFE display  80  to control or cause the IFE display  80  to change the content displayed by the IFE display  80 . The control device  30  automatically communicates with the IFE display  80  via the communication interface  20  to control or cause the IFE display  80  to change the content displayed by the IFE display  80  in response to the touchscreen display  90  receiving a touch input. 
     The communication from the control device  30  to the IFE display  80  depends on the contextual information displayed on the touchscreen display  90 . Thus, the operation of the contact device  30  is different depending on the orientation of the control device  30 . In this embodiment, the control device  30  is operable in a “Quick” mode where the touchscreen display  90  displays a navigation menu comprising a plurality of links, and a “Sequential” mode where the touchscreen display  90  displays either a simplified, modified or scaled down version of the content displayed on the IFE display  80 . Depending on implementation, the control device  30  may default to either the “Quick” mode or the “Sequential” mode when in use. A more detailed description of the two modes is described below. 
     It will be appreciated that the control device  30  is configured to operate in real-time such that the changes to the contextual information on the touchscreen  90  of the control device  30  is substantially synchronized with the changes to the content on the IFE display  80 . 
     It is envisaged that the control device  30  may additionally be configured to communicate with the IFE display  80  to control or cause the IFE display  80  to change the content displayed by the IFE display  80  in response to a detection of a change of orientation of the control device  30  by the gyroscope  50  even if no touch input is received. For example, changing the orientation of the control device  30  may automatically result in a display of a navigation menu on the IFE display  80 . 
     Also, it is envisaged that the control device  30  may include additional components. For example, the control device  30  may include additional input mechanisms such as a gamepad. 
       FIG. 1B  is a functional block diagram of the processor  60  of the control device of  FIG. 1A . 
     Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the processor  60  may be implemented in different ways. In this embodiment, the processor  60  is a processing unit implementing a number of software modules based on program code and data stored in a memory  66  of the processor  60 . However, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the modules may alternatively be implemented by a dedicated programmable logic controller (PLC). Also, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the modules may be distributed between the control device  30  and the IFE system. 
     The modules implemented by the processor  60  include a communication interface controller  63 , a gyroscope controller  63 , a touchscreen controller  68 , and a contextual information generator  69 . 
     The communication interface controller  63  is configured to receive data (such as data with respect to the content displayed by the IFE system  80  etc) from the IFE device  80 , and to transmit data (such as commands to control the IFE device  80  etc) to the IFE device  80 . 
     The gyroscope controller  63  is configured to receive a detection of a change of orientation of the control device  30  by the gyroscope  50 . 
     The contextual information generator  69  is configured to generate contextual information based on a detection of a change of orientation of the control device  30  by the gyroscope  50  or a receipt of a touch input by the control device  30 . In this respect, it will be appreciated that the contextual information may be generated in different ways depending on the type of contextual information to be generated. For example, the contextual information may be generated based on data received by the control device  30  from the IFE display  80 . Alternatively, the contextual information may be generated simply by retrieving data stored in the memory  66 . 
     The touchscreen controller  68  is configured to control the touchscreen display  90  to display or modify the contextual information generated by the contextual information generator  69 , and to receive touch inputs from the touchscreen display  90 . 
       FIG. 2  is a flowchart of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. At step  110 , the control device  30  receives from the IFE display  80  via the communication interface  20  content data with respect to content displayed on the IFE display  80 . At step  120 , the gyroscope  50  of the control device  30  detects a change of orientation of the control device  30 . At step  130 , the processor  60  of the control device  30  generates contextual information based on the detected change of orientation and the content data received via the communication interface  20  from the IFE display  80 . At step  150 , the touchscreen  90  of the control device  30  displays the contextual information generated by the processor  60 . At step  160 , the control device  30  receives a touch input from a user via the touchscreen  90 . At step  180 , the control device  30  communicates data with the IFE display  80  to transmit data with respect to the touch input. At step  190 , the IFE display  80  displays new content based on the communication from the control device  30  at step  180 . 
       FIG. 3A  is a block diagram of the physical components of an alternative embodiment of the control device  300 . Like the embodiment of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the control device  300  is also a handset controller for controlling an IFE display  380  for displaying content to a user. 
     The handset controller  300  comprises a processor  360  and a display  390  in the form of a touchscreen display. The touchscreen display  390  is adapted to receive a touch input for selecting a navigation mode for the handset controller  300 . In this embodiment, the touch input corresponds to a swiping or dragging action on or close to a perimeter of the touchscreen display  390  of the handset controller  300  by the user. However, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the touch input may be on a portion of the touchscreen display  390  that is not on or close to the perimeter of the touchscreen display  390 , or may be a touch action that is different to a swiping or dragging action (such as a tapping action). Also, it is envisaged that an alternative embodiment of the handset controller  300  may comprise a gyroscope (like the one described with respect to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1A and 1B ), and may be additionally configured to receive a selection of a navigation mode for the handset controller  300  via a change of orientation of the handset controller  300 . 
     The processor  360  is configured to receive a selection of the navigation mode upon the touchscreen display  390  receiving the touch input for selecting the navigation mode for the handset controller  300 . The processor  360  is also configured to generate contextual information in relation to the content displayed on the IFE display  380  in response to receipt of the selection of the navigation mode, and to display the generated contextual information on the touchscreen display  390  of the handset controller  300 . 
     The handset controller  300  also includes a communication interface  320  to enable the handset controller  300  to communicate with the IFE display  380  to control or cause the IFE display  380  to change the content displayed by the IFE display  380 . The handset controller  300  automatically communicates with the IFE display  380  via the communication interface  320  to control or cause the IFE display  380  to change the content displayed by the IFE display  380  in response to the touchscreen display  390  receiving a touch input. 
       FIG. 3B  is functional block diagram of the processor  360  of the handset controller  300  of  FIG. 3A . 
     The processor  360  is configured to implement a number of modules based on program code and data stored in a memory  366  of the processor  360 . The modules include a navigation mode receiver  362 , a touchscreen controller  368 , a contextual information generator  369  and a communication interface controller  363 . 
     The navigation mode receiver  362  is configured to receive a selection of the navigation mode for the handset controller  300  upon the touchscreen display  390  of the handset controller  300  receiving a swiping or dragging action on or close to a perimeter of the touchscreen display  390  of the handset controller  300 . 
     The contextual information generator  369  is configured to generate contextual information based on the selected navigation mode in response to a receipt of the selection of the navigation mode by the navigation mode receiver  362 . 
     The touchscreen controller  368  is configured to control the touchscreen display  390  of the handset controller  300  to display the contextual information generated by the contextual information generator  369 . 
     The communication interface controller  363  is configured to receive data (such as content data) from the IFE device  380  via the communication interface  320  of the handset controller  300 , and to transmit data (such as request data for requesting content data, and command data to change the content displayed by the IFE display  380 ) via the communication interface  320  to the IFE device  380 . 
     In this embodiment, the handset controller  300  is operable in two navigation modes: the quick navigation mode and the sequential navigation mode. However, it is envisaged that the handset controller  300  may be operable in more than two navigation modes and that the processor  360  of the handset controller  300  may be configured to switch between the various modes depending on the touch input for selecting the navigation mode from the user. For example, while the handset controller  300  is operating in a first navigation mode, a touch input on a first perimeter of the touchscreen display  390  may cause the handset controller  300  to switch to a second navigation mode, but a touch input on a second perimeter of the touchscreen display  390  that is not the same as the first perimeter may cause the handset controller  30  to switch to a third navigation mode. 
       FIG. 4  a flowchart of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. At step  220 , the touchscreen display  390  of the handset controller  300  receives a touch input corresponding to a swiping or dragging action on or close to a perimeter of the touchscreen display  390 . Upon the touchscreen display  390  receiving the touch input, the navigation mode receiver  362  implemented by the processor  300  of the handset controller  300  receives a selection of a navigation mode for the handset controller  300 . At step  240 , the communication interface controller  363  implemented by the processor  360  of the handset controller  300  receives content data from the IFE display  380  via the communications interface  320  of the handset controller  300  after the communication interface controller  363  transmits a request for the content data to the IFE display  380  via the communications interface  320 . At step  260 , the contextual information generator  369  implemented by the processor  360  of the handset controller  300  generates contextual information based on the content data received from the IFE display  380  and the selected navigation mode. At step  280 , the touchscreen controller  368  implemented by the processor  360  of the handset controller  300  controls the touchscreen display  390  to display the contextual information generated by the contextual information generator  369 . 
       FIG. 9A  is a block diagram of the physical components of yet another alternative embodiment of the control device  600 . Like the embodiment of  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 3A and 3B , the control device  600  is also a handset controller for controlling an IFE display  680  for displaying content to a user. The handset controller  600  is in data communication with a motion detector  630 . However, it is envisaged that an alternative embodiment of the handset controller  600  may not be in data communication with a motion detector. The motion detector  630  is an infrared sensor. However, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the motion detector  630  may not be an infrared sensor. For example, the motion detector  630  may alternatively be a microwave sensor or an ultrasonic detector. 
     The handset controller  600  comprises a communication interface  620  for communicating with the IFE display  680  and the infrared sensor  630 , for example, to output data to the IFE display  680  to change the content displayed on the IFE display  680 , and to receive from the infrared sensor  630  data indicating a motion detected by the infrared sensor  630 . 
     The handset controller  600  also comprises a touchscreen display  690  and a processor  660  for controlling the touchscreen display  690  and the communication interface  620 . The touchscreen display  690  is responsive to a touch input for controlling the IFE display  680  and/or the handset controller  600 . For example, a user of the handset controller  600  can change content displayed on the IFE display  680  and/or content displayed on the touchscreen display  690  by touching or contacting the touchscreen display  690 . As indicated above with respect to the embodiments of  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 3A and 3B , the touch input may be a swiping, tapping or dragging action. 
     The handset controller  600  is operable in at least two navigation modes: a touchpad mode and a trackpad mode. In the touchpad mode, the touchscreen display  690  of the handset controller  600  is responsive to touch inputs and displays information to facilitate controlling the IFE display  680 . In the trackpad mode, the touchscreen display  690  of the handset controller  600  is responsive to touch inputs, but is disabled from displaying information to facilitate controlling the IFE display  680 . Depending on the implementation, the touchscreen display  690  may be disabled by disabling the touchscreen display  690  from displaying just information that facilitates controlling of the IFE display  680  or any information. Persons skilled in the art would appreciate that disabling the touchscreen display  690  from displaying information may in effect be the same as controlling the touchscreen display  690  to display a blank image, or simply not updating the display on the touchscreen  690 . 
     In this embodiment, when the handset controller  600  is operating in the touchpad mode, a scaled down version of the content displayed on the IFE display  680  is shown on touchscreen display  690 . An action on the touchscreen display  690  would be mirrored on the IFE display  680 . For example, a left swipe action on the touchscreen display  690  would change the content on both the touchscreen display  690  and the IFE display  680 . In an alternative embodiment, contextual information corresponding to the content displayed on the IFE display  680  may be shown on the touchscreen display  690  in addition to the scaled down version of the content displayed on the IFE display  680 . 
     It is envisaged that an alternative embodiment of the handset controller  600  may be operable in more than two navigation modes. For example, an alternative embodiment of the handset controller  600  may additionally be operable in a display mode where the touchscreen display  690  displays information to facilitate controlling the IFE display  680 , but is disabled from receiving any touch inputs (in effect ignoring any touch inputs provided to the touchscreen display  690 ). In another example, an alternative embodiment of the handset controller  600  may additionally operate in the quick navigation mode or the sequential navigation mode indicated in relation to the embodiment of  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
     Also, it is envisaged that an alternative embodiment of the handset controller  600  may change the manner in which the handset controller  600  must be used when the handset controller  600  changes from the touchpad mode to the trackpad mode. For example, in an alternative embodiment, when the handset controller  600  changes from the touchpad mode to the trackpad mode, an indicator (like a mouse pointer) may be displayed on the IFE display  680 . In such an alternative embodiment, a dragging action on the touchscreen  690  of the handset controller  600  may just move the indicator like a traditional trackpad. 
       FIG. 9B  is functional block diagram of the processor  660  of the handset controller  600  of  FIG. 9A . The processor  660  is configured to implement a number of modules based on program code and data stored in a memory  366  of the processor  360 . The modules include a navigation mode receiver  662 , a touchscreen controller  668 , a contextual information generator  669  and a communication interface controller  663 . 
     The navigation mode receiver  662  is configured to receive a selection of the navigation mode for the handset controller  600  upon a touch input for selecting a navigation mode provided on the touchscreen display  690  of the handset controller  600 . The touch input for selecting the navigation mode is a tapping action on a portion of a navigation menu displayed on the touchscreen display  690 . However, it is envisaged that the touch input may not be a tapping action on a portion of a navigation menu displayed on the touchscreen display  690 . For example, the touch input for selecting the navigation mode may alternatively be a swiping or dragging action on a designated portion of the touchscreen display  690  of the handset controller  600  in an alternative embodiment. It is also envisaged that in an alternative embodiment, a selection of the navigation mode may not be received by the touchscreen display  690 . For example, a selection may be received by an alternative embodiment of the handset controller  600  upon a detection of a hand motion by the infrared sensor  630 , or in an embodiment where the IFE display is a touchscreen display, upon a touch input provided to the IFE display. 
     The contextual information generator  669  is configured to generate contextual information when the handset controller  600  operating in the touchpad mode. Like the embodiments of  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 3A and 3B , the contextual information may be generated based on content data with respect content display on the IFE display  680 . In an embodiment where the handset controller  600  is adapted to operate in different touchpad modes (for example, the quick navigation mode and the sequential navigation mode mentioned above), the contextual information may be generated depending on which navigation mode the handset controller  600  is operating in. 
     The touchscreen controller  668  is configured to control the touchscreen display  690  of the handset controller  300  to display the contextual information generated by the contextual information generator  669  when the handset controller  600  operating in the touchpad mode, and to control the touchscreen display  690  to disable the touchscreen display  690  from displaying information when the handset controller  600  operating in the trackpad mode. 
     The communication interface controller  663  is configured to receive data from the IFE display  680  via the communication interface  620 , and to transmit data via the communication interface  620  to the IFE display  680 . In particular, the communication interface controller  663  is configured to receive data (such as data with respect to the content displayed by the IFE display  680 ) from the IFE display  680 , and to transmit data (such as commands to control the IFE display  680 ) to the IFE display  680 . 
       FIG. 10  a flowchart of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. At step  500 , while operating in the touchpad mode, the handset  600  receives from the IFE display  680  content data with respect to content displayed on the IFE display  680  via the communication interface  620  of the handset  600 . At step  510 , the contextual information generator  669  implemented by the processor  660  generates contextual information based on the content data received from the IFE display  680 . At step  520 , the touchscreen controller  668  implemented by the processor  660  controls the touchscreen  690  of the handset  600  to display the contextual information generated by the contextual information generator  669 . 
     At step  530 , the handset  600  receives a user input in the form of a touch input provided by a user of the handset  600  on the touchscreen  690 . As indicated above, the user input may alternatively be received upon a detection of a motion by the infrared sensor  630 . At step  540 , the communication interface controller  663  implemented by the processor  660  controls the communication interface  620  to transmit to the IFE display  680  data with respect to the touch input, and the contextual information generator  669  generates new contextual information based on the touch input. At step  550 , the IFE display  680  displays new content based on the data transmitted from the handset  600 , and the touchscreen  690  displays the new contextual information generated by the contextual information generator  669 . 
     At step  560 , the handset  600  receives another touch input corresponding to a selection of the trackpad mode for the handset  600 . At step  570 , the navigation mode controller  662  controls the touchscreen  690  to disable the touchscreen from displaying any contextual information. 
     At step  580 , the handset  600  receives yet another touch input provided by a user of the handset  600  on the touchscreen  690 . At step  540 , the communication interface controller  663  implemented by the processor  660  controls the communication interface  620  to transmit to the IFE display  680  data with respect to the touch input, and the IFE display  680  displays new content based on the data transmitted from the handset  600 . 
       FIG. 5A  is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the contextual information displayed by the touchscreen display  90  of the control device  30  when the control device  30  is operating in a “Sequential” mode. In this example, the handset  30  operates in the “Sequential” mode when the handset  30  is in a horizontal orientation. As illustrated, the IFE display  80  is displaying content  820  and the handset  30  is displaying contextual information  920  in relation to the content  820  on the touchscreen  90  of the handset  30 . The content  820  is one of a series of inter-related content  810 ,  820 ,  830 . When the user performs a right to left paging or swiping motion on the touchscreen  90  of the handset  30 , the IFE display  80  changes from content  820  to content  830 . When the user performs a left to right paging or swiping motion on the touchscreen  90  of the handset  30 , the IFE display  80  changes from content  820  to content  810 . The contextual information  920  displayed on the touchscreen display  90  changes according to changes in the content displayed on the IFE display  80 . In this case, the contextual information  920  displayed on the touchscreen  90  includes an expandable menu icon  950 . 
       FIG. 5B  is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the contextual information displayed by the touchscreen display  90  of the control device  30  when the control device  30  is operating in a “Quick” mode. In this example, the handset  30  operates in the “Quick” mode when the handset  30  is in a vertical orientation. As illustrated, the contextual information displayed on the touchscreen  90  is a navigation menu (“GLOBAL MENU”) comprising a plurality of links (“A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, “E”, “E” and “F”). 
       FIGS. 6A to 6H  are screen mock-ups illustrating a series of contextual information  920  displayed on the touchscreen  90  of the control device  30  and content  820  displayed on the IFE display  80  when the control device  30  is being used by a user while the control device  30  is operating in the “Sequential” mode. 
     In  FIG. 6A , the contextual information  920  is a simplified version of the content  820  displayed on the IFE display  80  is displayed on the touchscreen display  90  of the control device  30 . In this example, the contextual information  920  displayed on the touchscreen  90  includes an expandable menu icon  950 . The figure indicates that data with respect to the content  820  (“content data”) is received by the control device  30 , and that data for controlling the IFE display  80  (“command data”) is transmitted to the IFE display  80  to control the display on the IFE display  80 . 
       FIG. 6B  illustrates that the content  820  on the IFE display  80  may change to show a highlighted portion after a user performs a drag and stop action to a portion of the contextual information  920  on the touchscreen display  90 . The drag and stop action is a tracking or dragging action. Another option for changing the content  820  on the IFE display  80  is to use a swipe action on the touchscreen display  90 . 
       FIG. 6C  illustrates the contextual information  920  and content  820  after the user selects a movie by tapping the touchscreen display  90 . 
       FIG. 6D  illustrates that the contextual information  920  is changed to a “Now Playing” menu after the user performs a right to left swiping action on the touchscreen display  90 . 
       FIG. 6E  illustrates that the contextual information  920  is changed from a “Now Playing” menu to a “Flight Info” menu after the user performs another right to left swiping action on the touchscreen display  90 . 
       FIG. 6F  illustrates that the contextual information  920  is changed from a “Flight Info” menu to a “Notifications” menu after the user performs another right to left swiping action on the touchscreen display  90 . 
       FIG. 6G  illustrates that the contextual information  920  is changed from a “Notifications” menu to a “Dashboard” menu after the user performs another right to left swiping action on the touchscreen display  90 . 
       FIG. 6H  illustrates that the movie  820  stops playing after a user taps the touchscreen display  90  to pause the movie while the contextual information” is a “Dashboard” menu. 
       FIGS. 7A to 5C  are screen mock-ups illustrating another series of contextual information  920  and content  820  when the control device  30  is being used by the user while the control device  30  is operating in the “Sequential” mode. 
       FIG. 7A  illustrates the content  820  before a user touches the touchscreen display  90 . 
       FIG. 7B  illustrates that the content  820  changes to include additional selections (Take 2 Shakespeare, Finders Keepers, Going Global) after the user touches the touchscreen display  90 . The content  820  reverts back to the format of  FIG. 7A  once the user disengages from the touchscreen display  90 . 
       FIG. 7C  illustrates the content  820  after the user carries out a right to left swiping action on the touchscreen display  90 . 
       FIGS. 8A to 6E  are screen mock-ups illustrating a series of the contextual information  920  and content  820  when the control device  30  is being used by a user while the control device  30  is operating in the “Quick” mode. 
       FIG. 8A  illustrates that the contextual information  920  is a navigation menu before a user touches the touchscreen display  90 . 
       FIG. 8B  illustrates that a portion of the contextual information  920  (Watch) is highlighted after the user touches the portion on the touchscreen display  90 . 
       FIG. 8C  illustrates that the contextual information  920  changes to include a secondary menu (Collections, Movies, TV) after the user touches the portion on the touchscreen display  90 . The figure also illustrates that the content  820  is updated in synchrony with the change in the contextual information  920 . 
       FIG. 8D  illustrates that a portion of the secondary menu of the contextual information  920  (Movies) is highlighted after the user touches the portion on the touchscreen display  90 . The figure also illustrates that the content  820  is updated in synchrony with the change in the contextual information  920 . 
       FIG. 8E  illustrates that the contextual information  920  after the user performs an up to down swiping action followed by a tap action on a portion (Gary) of the touchscreen display  90 . 
     It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, in particular it will be apparent that certain features of embodiments of the invention can be employed to form further embodiments. 
     By way of example, it is noted that the “display” device and the “control” device may be described as a “primary” device and a “secondary” device, respectively, as indicating in general terms that the primary device is a major source of information (i.e. content) when compared to the secondary device. 
     It is to be understood that any reference to prior art made herein does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms or formed a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. 
     In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.