To substitute fast-forward/backward keys for numeric keypad of TV remote controller

Abstract

This paper describes the problems of TV channel change using existing remote controller. French company Witbe (2008) have determined the average channel change takes 1.9 seconds by using the up/down button on a remote; 3.4 seconds if it's chosen directly by numeric keypad. Accordingly, the pilot study of this research revealed that the mental workload (frequency of visual focuses shifting between TV screen and remote controller) of using numeric keypad was higher than that of using up/down keys. A pair of dedicated keys were developed and located near up/down keys. The functions of dedicated keys were set as fast-forward 10 channels and fast-backward 10 channels respectively. An experiment was carried and the result indicates that mental workload of operating dedicated keys was significantly improved. The average vision focuses shifting frequency of operating numeric keypad and dedicated keys set were 2.5 times and 1.0 times respectively. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.