Easy to use and intuitive user interface for a remote control

摘要

A system and method for an easy to use and intuitive user interface on a remote control. In one embodiment, 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, 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.

主权项

1. A remote control having a housing with a bottom surface and a top surface, the remote control comprising:
a display device including a physical screen and configured to display a plurality of interface controls on the screen; a transparent covering placed on top of the display device 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 screen so that the touch-sensitive pad is responsive to touching directly on top of the screen as well as by touching areas of the top surface of the remote control beyond an outer perimeter of the screen.