Radio frequency remote control

Abstract

Embodiments of systems, apparatuses, articles of manufacture, methods, and computer program products for remotely controlling a media device are disclosed herein. Embodiments include an apparatus comprising a radio frequency (RF) communication chip, a memory, and at least one processor coupled to the RF communication chip and the memory. The at least one processor is configured to receive an electronic signal indicative of a user command and generate, based on the electronic signal, an action frame data packet configured to instruct a media device to perform a function associated with the user command. Subsequently, the at least one processor is configured to transmit, using the RF communication chip, the action frame data packet to the media device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to radio frequency (RF) remote control devices. Background Technology

[0002] In today's world, the demand for on-demand content such as movies, television (TV) programs, and music is commonplace. Some commercial media systems offer this on-demand service. These media systems can be controlled using a variety of remote control devices, such as infrared (IR) remote controllers, RF remote controllers, Wi-Fi remote controllers, and Bluetooth (BT) remote controllers, to name just a few. However, over the years, the functionality and requirements of remote control devices have increased dramatically, necessitating greater computing power and memory usage, and increasing the complexity and cost of these devices. For example, traditional RF remote control devices may require Wi-Fi wireless network connections such as IEEE 802.11ac or 802.11ax to connect to media systems, thus requiring expensive and complex Wi-Fi stacks and memory. Furthermore, Wi-Fi protocols typically require multiple digital modulation techniques, from binary phase-shift keying (BPSK) to quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). Therefore, existing RF remote control devices are complex and expensive, requiring significant computing resources and causing the associated media systems to take considerable time to execute the required functions. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Compared to traditional remote control devices, the systems, apparatus, articles of manufacture, methods, and / or computer program product embodiments and / or combinations and sub-combinations thereof described herein address the aforementioned technical problems by using a dedicated RF remote control device with a dedicated RF communication chip that provides remote control functionality using a significantly reduced set of Wi-Fi features. In embodiments, the RF remote control device disclosed herein is able to utilize the minimal set of Wi-Fi protocols required to interact with conventional Wi-Fi chips (e.g., those with a full suite of Wi-Fi features) located in media devices, TVs, set-top boxes, or other Wi-Fi enabled devices, significantly reducing the complexity of the disclosed RF remote control device. In an illustrative and non-limiting example, the RF communication chip disclosed herein is able to utilize Wi-Fi action frames (or optionally, only a single type of Wi-Fi action frame such as vendor-specific action frames) and BPSK digital modulation (e.g., because the lowest-rate digital modulation technique, BPSK, is used to transmit Wi-Fi action frames) without supporting other Wi-Fi protocols, thus eliminating the need for expensive and complex Wi-Fi stacks and memory. For example, the disclosed RF remote control device can be configured to control a media device by: receiving user commands; generating Wi-Fi action frames (e.g., vendor-specific action frames) whose payload contains information about the user command (e.g., a sequence of bits indicating the user command); and transmitting the Wi-Fi action frames to the media device's Wi-Fi communication chip using BPSK digital modulation. As a result, the disclosed RF remote control device is less complex, less expensive, and requires significantly fewer computational resources compared to conventional remote control devices. Furthermore, the disclosed RF remote control device reduces the time required for the media device to perform its required functions.

[0004] The embodiments relate to system, apparatus, article of manufacture, method, and / or computer program product embodiments, and / or combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for remotely controlling a media device using a device having a dedicated RF communication chip. For example, in a non-limiting embodiment, the device may be an RF remote control device, and the media device may be a smart TV or set-top box (STB) with Wi-Fi connectivity. The device includes an RF communication chip, a memory, and at least one processor coupled to the RF communication chip and the memory. The at least one processor is configured to receive an electronic signal instructing a user command and, based on the electronic signal, generate an action frame data packet, the action frame data packet being configured to instruct the media device to perform a function associated with the user command. Subsequently, the at least one processor is configured to transmit the action frame data packet to the media device using the RF communication chip.

[0005] The systems, apparatuses, articles of manufacture, methods, and / or computer program products disclosed herein, and / or combinations and sub-combinations thereof, have many exemplary aspects. For example, embodiments of this disclosure provide an RF remote control device with a simpler and cheaper wireless communication stack. In another example, embodiments of this disclosure provide an RF remote control device that requires significantly less computational resources (e.g., memory, computing power) compared to conventional remote control devices (e.g., 50% less). In a non-limiting illustration of the reduction in required computational resources, the disclosed RF remote control device can reduce on-chip memory requirements from about 384 kilobytes (kB) to less than or about 200 kB. As a result of these and other embodiments described herein, embodiments of this disclosure provide an RF remote control device that is significantly faster and cheaper than conventional remote control devices. As yet another result of these and other embodiments described herein, embodiments of this disclosure provide an RF remote control device that significantly reduces the time it takes for a media device to perform a function in response to a user pressing a button on a remote control device. Attached Figure Description

[0006] The accompanying drawings are incorporated herein and form part of the specification.

[0007] Figure 1 A block diagram of a multimedia environment according to some embodiments is shown, the multimedia environment including one or more media systems and one or more content servers.

[0008] Figure 2 A block diagram of a media device according to some embodiments is shown.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of an RF remote control device according to some embodiments.

[0010] Figure 4 The flowcharts are based on some embodiments and illustrate a process for remotely controlling a media device.

[0011] Figure 5 An example computer system is shown that can be used to implement various embodiments.

[0012] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals usually denote the same or similar elements. Furthermore, the leftmost numeral in the reference numerals typically indicates the drawing in which that reference numeral first appears. Detailed Implementation

[0013] Figure 1 A block diagram of a multimedia environment 102 according to some embodiments is shown. In a non-limiting example, the multimedia environment 102 is for streaming media.

[0014] Multimedia environment 102 may include one or more media systems 104 and one or more content servers 122 communicatively coupled via communication network 120. In various embodiments, communication network 120 may include, but is not limited to, wired and / or wireless intranets, extranets, the Internet, Wi-Fi, RF, IR, cellular, Bluetooth and / or any other near-field communication network, short-range communication network, long-range communication network, local communication network, regional communication network, global communication network, and any combination thereof.

[0015] One or more media systems 104 may each include a display device 106, a media device 108, and an RF remote control device 110. The display device 106 may be, for example, a monitor, TV, smart TV, computer, smartphone, tablet, and / or projector, these are just a few examples. The media device 108 may be a streaming media device, DVD device, audio / video playback device, cable box, and / or digital video recording device, these are just a few examples. In some embodiments, the media device 108 may be part of, integrated with, operatively coupled to, and / or connected to the display device 106. The media device 108 may be configured to communicate with a communication network 120. The RF remote control device 110 may be configured to communicate with the display device 106, the media device 108, or any other component of the multimedia environment 102 using RF signals such as Wi-Fi action frame packets.

[0016] User equipment 112 can interact with one or more media systems 104 via RF remote control device 110. RF remote control device 110 can be any component, part, apparatus, or method for controlling media device 108 and / or display device 106 using RF communication such as Wi-Fi action frames (e.g., vendor-specific action frames). For example, RF remote control device 110 can generate control signals corresponding to user commands (e.g., action frame packets such as vendor-specific action frame packets) and transmit the generated control signals to any other component in media device 108, display device 106, and / or multimedia environment 102 to cause that device or component to operate according to user commands.

[0017] One or more content servers 122 (also referred to as one or more content sources) may each include one or more databases for storing content 124 and metadata 126. Content 124 may include any combination of music, videos, movies, TV programs, multimedia, images, still images, text, graphics, game applications, advertisements, software, and / or any other content or data objects in electronic form. In some embodiments, metadata 126 includes data about content 124. For example, metadata 126 may include information indicating the author, director, producer, composer, artist, actor, synopsis, chapter, production, history, year, trailer, alternative version, related content, application, or any other related or auxiliary information relating to or relating to said content and / or content 124. Metadata 126 may also include, or alternatively include, links pointing to any such information relating to or relating to content 124. Metadata 126 may also include, or alternatively include, one or more indexes of content 124, such as, but not limited to, trick mode indexes.

[0018] Figure 2 An example block diagram of a media device 108 according to some embodiments is shown. The media device 108 may include a streaming module 202, a processing module 204, a user interface module 206, and a database 208.

[0019] Figure 3An example block diagram of an RF remote control device 110 according to some embodiments is shown. The RF remote control device 110 may include an RF communication chip 302 (e.g., an integrated circuit (IC), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), programmable logic device (PLD), field-programmable gate array (FPGA)). The RF communication chip 302 includes an RF transmitter 304, an RF receiver 306, an energy detector 308, a memory 310, any other suitable circuitry or structure, or any combination thereof. The memory 310 may include a unique identifier 312 (e.g., an expandable pre-programmed 32-bit, 48-bit, 64-bit, 128-bit, 256-bit, or other bit sequence number), encrypted data 314 (e.g., a key, certificate, private or shared secret), any other suitable electronic information, or any combination thereof. The RF remote control device 110 may also include one or more processors 322, memory 324, a group of buttons 326 (e.g., one or more physical buttons, virtual buttons, soft buttons, touch screen areas, augmented reality (AR) buttons, virtual reality (VR) buttons, any other suitable buttons, or any combination thereof), an audio detector 328 (e.g., a microphone, a microphone array), a motion detector 330 (e.g., an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a motion sensor), a radiation detector 332 (e.g., a photodetector, an infrared (IR) sensor), an action frame generation circuit 334, an encryption circuit 336, a communication channel determination circuit 338, any other suitable hardware or software, or any combination thereof.

[0020] In some aspects, memory 310 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), any other suitable volatile memory or data storage structure, or any combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, memory 310 may include non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), any other suitable non-volatile memory or data storage structure, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, memory 310 may include one or more registers. In an illustrative and non-limiting example, memory 310 may include less than or approximately 200 kB of SRAM.

[0021] In some aspects, the RF communication chip 302 may omit or reduce the functions of one or more of the RF receiver 306, energy detector 308, memory 310, unique identifier 312, and encrypted data 314 to reduce the computational resources, complexity, and cost of the RF communication chip 302. In one example, the RF communication chip 302 may include an RF transmitter 304 but excludes the RF receiver 306, energy detector 308, and memory 310. In another example, the RF communication chip 302 may include an RF transmitter 304 and memory 310 but excludes the RF receiver 306 and energy detector 308. In yet another example, the RF communication chip 302 may include an RF transmitter 304, energy detector 308, and memory 310 but excludes the RF receiver 306. In yet another example, the RF communication chip 302 may include an RF transmitter 304, RF receiver 306, and memory 310 but exclude the energy detector 308. In yet another example, the RF communication chip 302 may include an RF transmitter 304, RF receiver 306, energy detector 308, and memory 310. In another example, the RF communication chip 302 may not include the memory 310. In another example, the RF communication chip 302 may include the memory 310 but exclude the unique identifier 312 and encrypted data 314. In another example, the RF communication chip 302 may include the memory 310 and the unique identifier 312, but exclude the encrypted data 314. In another example, the RF communication chip 302 may include the memory 310 and the encrypted data 314, but exclude the unique identifier 312. In another example, the RF communication chip 302 may include the memory 310, the unique identifier 312, and the encrypted data 314.

[0022] In some respects, the RF communication chip 302 may not support all Wi-Fi protocols (e.g., it may not be 100% Wi-Fi compatible), but may only support a subset of Wi-Fi protocols to reduce the computational resources, complexity, and cost of the RF communication chip 302. For example, the RF communication chip 302 can utilize Wi-Fi action frames to: (i) avoid the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) / Internet Protocol (IP) stack and all IP layer protocol code; and (ii) achieve unassociated data transmission by avoiding some or all of the code required for conventional association, authentication, and encryption (e.g., enabling RF remote control device 110 to pair with media device 108 without a handshake when transmitting user commands via action frame packets). In an illustrative and non-limiting example, the RF communication chip 302 may only support the Wi-Fi action frame protocol (e.g., for transmitting (TX); or in some embodiments, for both TX and receiving (RX)). In another illustrative and non-limiting example, the RF communication chip 302 may support only vendor-specific Wi-Fi action frame protocols (e.g., as described in Section 8.5.6 of IEEE 802.11). In another illustrative and non-limiting example, the RF communication chip 302 may support only the lowest-rate digital modulation techniques (e.g., BPSK digital modulation). As a result, the RF communication chip 302 can interoperate with a full range of Wi-Fi chips (e.g., included in media device 108) without having to include the expensive, complex, and computationally intensive Wi-Fi stack and memory associated with these Wi-Fi chips. For example, by doing so, the RF communication chip 302 is able to reduce memory requirements (e.g., memory 310) from approximately 384 kB of SRAM to less than approximately 200 kB of SRAM.

[0023] Now refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3In some embodiments, a user can interact with the user interface module 206 of the media device 108 using the RF remote control device 110 to select content, such as movies, TV shows, music, books, applications, games, or other content. The streaming module 202 of the media device 108 can request the selected content from one or more content servers 122 via the communication network 120. One or more content servers 122 can transmit the requested content to the streaming module 202. The media device 108 can transmit the received content to the display device 106 for presentation to the user of the user device 112. In streaming embodiments, when the streaming module 202 receives content from one or more content servers 122, it can transmit this content to the display device 106 in real-time or near real-time. In non-streaming embodiments, the media device 108 can buffer or store the content received from one or more content servers 122 in a database 208 for later playback on the display device 106.

[0024] The RF remote control device 110 is configured to generate (e.g., via a group of buttons 326, an audio detector 328, a motion detector 330, one or more processors 322, any other suitable circuitry or structure, or any combination thereof) electronic signals indicative of user commands. User commands may correspond to one or more pressed buttons, audio commands, gesture commands, any other suitable commands input, issued, or indicated by the user, or any combination thereof.

[0025] In this embodiment, a user can input commands on the RF remote control device 110 by pressing one or more buttons in the group of buttons 326 (e.g., channel up / down, volume up / down, play / pause / stop / rewind / fast forward, menu, up, down, left, right, these are just a few examples). In this case, the electronic signal indicating the user's command may correspond to a "key_up" signal, a "key_down" signal, a "key_repeat" signal (e.g., when the user continuously presses and holds a button to scroll), a "key_repeat_stop" signal (e.g., based on a timeout value, such as 10.0 seconds), any other suitable signal, or any combination thereof. In this regard, in response to the user pressing a button and the group of buttons 326, the group of buttons 326, any circuitry or structure connected to the button group, one or more processors 322, or a combination thereof, an electronic signal indicating that a button has been pressed by the user may be generated, and any circuitry or structure connected to the button group, one or more processors 322, or a combination thereof may detect changes in resistance, impedance, or capacitance associated with the pressed button.

[0026] Additionally or alternatively, in embodiments, a user can input commands on the RF remote control device 110 by issuing commands within the audible range of the audio detector 328. For example, to increase the volume, a user can say “volume up”. To switch to a previous channel, a user can say “channel down”. In embodiments, a user can say a trigger word before speaking the command so that the RF remote control device 110 can better distinguish commands from other spoken words. For example, the trigger word could be “command”. In this case, to increase the volume, a user can say “command, volume up”. In embodiments, one or more trigger words may be recognized by the RF remote control device 110. In this regard, in response to the user speaking an audio command and the audio detector 328, any circuitry or structure connected to the audio detector, one or more processors 322, or a combination thereof detecting an audio signal associated with the command, one or more processors 322 can generate an electronic signal indicating that the user has spoken the audio command.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, in embodiments, a user can input commands on the RF remote control device 110 by making gestures. For example, to increase the volume, a user can move the RF remote control device 110 upwards. To switch to a previous channel, a user can move the RF remote control device 110 counterclockwise. In this regard, in response to a user making a gesture command and the motion detector 330, any circuitry or structure connected to the motion detector, one or more processors 322, or a combination thereof detecting the motion associated with the command, one or more processors 322 can generate an electronic signal indicating that the user has made a gesture command.

[0028] Subsequently, the RF remote control device 110 can be configured to generate and transmit Wi-Fi beacons or other Wi-Fi packet types (e.g., unauthenticated and unencrypted) that contain information about user commands, such as keys pressed on the RF remote control device 110.

[0029] In an embodiment, the RF remote control device 110 may be configured to generate Wi-Fi action frame packets based on electronic signals (e.g., via action frame generation circuitry 334, one or more processors 322, any other suitable circuitry or structure, or any combination thereof). The action frame packet may include a payload containing a sequence of bits instructing a user command. The action frame packet may be configured to instruct the media device 108 to perform a function associated with the user command (e.g., volume up, channel down, menu, etc.). For example, the action frame packet may be a vendor-specific action frame packet as described in Section 8.5.6 of IEEE 802.11 and referenced in Section 6.3.31. In an illustrative and non-limiting example, the vendor-specific action frame packet may include a category field (e.g., vendor-specific category “127” as specified in Table 8-38 of IEEE 802.11; or, if managed frame protection is negotiated, category field “126”), an organization identifier (e.g., a vendor identifier), and vendor-specific content including electronic information (e.g., a sequence of bits) instructing the user command. In some respects, the total size of an action frame packet can be less than 100 bits or approximately 100 bits.

[0030] In an embodiment, the action frame data packet may include a unique identifier 312. For example, the media device 108 may be located in an area within range of many RF remote control devices (e.g., in a metropolitan apartment building). In such an embodiment, each RF remote control device 110 may have its own unique identifier 312 built into its RF communication chip 302. The media device 108 may be configured to listen only to communications that include or are associated with a specific unique identifier 312, thereby avoiding the problem of many remote control devices transmitting signals in a small area. Additionally or alternatively, the action frame data packet may include a specific vendor identifier and payload pattern. The media device 108 may be configured to listen only to communications that include that specific vendor identifier and payload pattern.

[0031] In an embodiment, the RF remote control device 110 may be configured to encrypt action frame data packets based on a unique identifier 312, encrypted data 314, any other suitable electronic information, or any combination thereof (e.g., encryption via encryption circuitry 336, one or more processors 322, any other suitable circuitry or structure, or any combination thereof). The RF remote control device 110 may be configured to encrypt action frame data packets using symmetric encryption, asymmetric encryption, any other known and suitable encryption techniques, or any combination thereof. The media device 108 may then be configured to receive and decrypt the encrypted action frame data packets using any known technique (e.g., based on encrypted data stored in the media device 108) and perform functions associated with user commands. In such an embodiment, the RF remote control device 110 may be configured not to transmit unencrypted action frame data packets (e.g., unencrypted action frame data packets may never be transmitted to the media device 108).

[0032] Subsequently, the RF remote control device 110 is configured to transmit action frame data packets to the media device 108 using the RF communication chip 302 and a minimum-rate Wi-Fi digital modulation technique (e.g., BPSK digital modulation). In one example, each action frame data packet can be approximately 100 bits, thus the RF remote control device 110 can support a BPSK transmission rate of approximately 1.0 megabits per second (Mbps). As a result, the RF remote control device 110 utilizes significantly less communication time for user commands compared to conventional remote control devices.

[0033] The RF remote control device 110 will now be described with reference to one-way (e.g., "one-way") communication capability and two-way (e.g., "two-way") communication capability.

[0034] In some embodiments, the RF remote control device 110 may be a one-way or “one-pass” RF remote control device. For example, the RF communication chip 302 may omit the RF receiver 306 and thus be configured not to receive any communication (e.g., not to receive communication from the media device 108).

[0035] In an embodiment, the RF remote control device 110 may be configured to transmit action frame data to the media device 108 via two or more communication channels (e.g., frequency bands) (e.g., via RF transmitter 304, any other suitable circuitry or structure, or any combination thereof). For example, the RF remote control device 110 may transmit action frame data packets sequentially (e.g., polling), simultaneously (e.g., bursting), nearly simultaneously, randomly, or using any other suitable transmission technology via two or more communication channels. For example, the two or more communication channels may include a 2.4 GHz communication channel and a 5.0 GHz communication channel. In another example, the two or more communication channels may include all 2.4 GHz communication channels and all 5.0 GHz communication channels. In another example, the two or more communication channels may include all IEEE 802.11ac type communication channels. In yet another example, the two or more communication channels may include a subset of IEEE 802.11ax type communication channels. In yet another example, the two or more communication channels may comprise all IEEE 802.11ax communication channels. In yet another example, the two or more communication channels may comprise all Wi-Fi communication channels. In one embodiment, the RF remote control device 110 may transmit action frame data packets twice per communication channel. In another embodiment, the RF remote control device 110 may transmit action frame data packets three times per communication channel.

[0036] In this embodiment, before transmitting action frame data packets to media device 108, RF remote control device 110 may use energy detector 308, communication channel determination circuitry 338, one or more processors 322, any other suitable circuitry or structure, or any combination thereof, to determine which Wi-Fi channel media device 108 is communicating on. For example, RF communication chip 302 may be configured to detect or measure (e.g., via energy detector 308, any other suitable circuitry or structure, or any combination thereof) an indication of the energy distribution of the communication channel used by media device 108, such as Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) or free space energy distribution between RF communication chip 302 and media device 108. RF remote control device 110 may be configured to determine (e.g., via communication channel determination circuitry, one or more processors 322, any other suitable circuitry or structure, or any combination thereof) the communication channel based on the detected energy distribution. RF remote control device 110 may be configured to transmit action frame data packets to media device 108 via the determined communication channel (e.g., via RF transmitter 304, any other suitable circuitry or structure, or any combination thereof).

[0037] In this embodiment, before transmitting action frame data packets to media device 108, RF remote control device 110 may use radiation detector 332, communication channel determination circuitry 338, one or more processors 322, any other suitable circuitry or structure, or any combination thereof, to determine which Wi-Fi channel media device 108 is on. For example, radiation detector 332 may be configured to detect radiation signals that indicate the communication channel used by media device 108. This radiation signal may be a pattern of light or IR flashing emitted by display device 106 based on a communication channel identification control signal generated by media device 108, or a flashing pattern performed by display device 106. RF remote control device 110 may be configured to select (e.g., via communication channel determination circuitry, one or more processors 322, any other suitable circuitry or structure, or any combination thereof) a communication channel based on the detected radiation signal. RF remote control device 110 may be configured to transmit action frame data packets to media device 108 via the selected communication channel (e.g., via RF transmitter 304, any other suitable circuitry or structure, or any combination thereof).

[0038] In an embodiment, before transmitting action frame data packets to media device 108, RF remote control device 110 may use audio detector 328, communication channel determination circuitry 338, one or more processors 322, any other suitable circuitry or structure, or any combination thereof, to determine which Wi-Fi channel media device 108 is on. In an embodiment, audio detector 328 may be configured to detect an audio signal indicating the communication channel used by media device 108. This audio signal may be a pattern of sound output or emitted by a speaker connected to display device 106 or media device 108 based on a communication channel identification control signal generated by media device 108. RF remote control device 110 may be configured to select (e.g., via communication channel determination circuitry, one or more processors 322, any other suitable circuitry or structure, or any combination thereof) a communication channel based on the detected audio signal. RF remote control device 110 may be configured to transmit action frame data packets to media device 108 via the selected communication channel (e.g., via RF transmitter 304, any other suitable circuitry or structure, or any combination thereof).

[0039] In some embodiments, the RF remote control device 110 may be a two-way or “two-way” RF remote control device. For example, the RF communication chip 302 may include an RF receiver 306 and is thus configured to receive communications (e.g., receive communications from the media device 108).

[0040] In an embodiment, before transmitting action frame data packets to media device 108, RF remote control device 110 may use RF receiver 306, communication channel determination circuitry 338, one or more processors 322, any other suitable circuitry or structure, or any combination thereof, to determine which Wi-Fi channel media device 108 is on. For example, RF communication chip 302 may be configured to receive (e.g., via RF receiver 306, any other suitable circuitry or structure, or any combination thereof) a wireless communication signal (e.g., a wirelessly transmitted communication channel identification communication and control signal) indicating the communication channel used by media device 108. For example, the wireless communication signal may be an action frame data packet (e.g., a vendor-specific action frame data packet) or include the action frame data packet whose payload includes a communication channel identifier or identification data indicating the communication channel used by media device 108. RF remote control device 110 may be configured to select (e.g., via communication channel determination circuitry, one or more processors 322, any other suitable circuitry or structure, or any combination thereof) the communication channel based on the received wireless communication signal. The RF remote control device 110 can be configured to transmit action frame data packets to the media device 108 via a selected communication channel (e.g., via the RF transmitter 304, any other suitable circuitry or structure, or any combination thereof).

[0041] In this embodiment, the RF remote control device 110 and the media device 108 may periodically access a predefined frequency to periodically exchange communication channel identification information, encrypted information, any other suitable information, or any combination thereof. For example, the RF remote control device 110 and the media device 108 may periodically access the 2.4 GHz communication channel every 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes to exchange communication channel identification information, encrypted information, any other suitable information, or any combination thereof.

[0042] In an embodiment, in response to receiving an action frame data packet from RF remote control device 110, media device 108 may generate: an acknowledgment (ACK) signal, frame, or data packet; a negative acknowledgment (NACK) signal, frame, or data packet; or any other suitable signal, frame, data packet, or data structure. For example, an ACK signal may indicate that media device 108 has received the action frame data packet. In another example, a NACK signal may indicate an error or indicate that media device 108 has not yet received the action frame data packet. Subsequently, RF communication chip 302 may be configured to receive (e.g., via RF receiver 306, any other suitable hardware or software, or any combination thereof) an ACK signal or a NACK signal from media device 108. In one example, in response to receiving an ACK signal, RF communication chip 302 may stop transmitting action frame data packets to media device 108. In another example, in response to receiving a NACK signal, RF communication chip 302 may retransmit the action frame data packet to media device 108 (e.g., via RF transmitter 304, any other suitable hardware or software, or any combination thereof).

[0043] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a method 400 for remotely controlling a media device according to an embodiment. Method 400 can be executed by processing logic, which can include hardware (e.g., circuitry, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, etc.), software (e.g., instructions executed on a processing device), or a combination thereof. It should be understood that not all steps need to be used to perform the disclosure provided herein. Furthermore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that some steps can be performed simultaneously or in different ways. Figure 4 Execute in the order shown.

[0044] Should refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 Method 400 is described in this way. However, method 400 is not limited to these example embodiments.

[0045] In 402, the RF remote control device 110 receives (e.g., via one or more processors 322, any other suitable hardware or software, or any combination thereof) electronic signals that indicate user commands (e.g., physical buttons or virtual (e.g., touchscreens, AR, VR) buttons pressed by the user, audio commands spoken by the user, gesture commands indicated by the user, any other suitable user commands, or any combination thereof).

[0046] In 404, the RF remote control device 110 generates (e.g., via one or more processors 322, action frame generation circuitry 334, any other suitable hardware or software, or any combination thereof) action frame data packets based on received electronic signals. These action frame data packets are configured to instruct the media device 108 to perform a function corresponding to or associated with a user command. For example, the action frame data packets may be vendor-specific action frame data packets.

[0047] In 406, the RF remote control device 110 transmits action frame data packets to the media device 108 (e.g., via the RF communication chip 302, the RF transmitter 304, any other suitable hardware or software, or any combination thereof). For example, the RF remote control device 110 may transmit action frame data packets to the media device 108 via two or more communication channels (e.g., 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz; all Wi-Fi communication channels; or subsets thereof). In one set of additional examples, RF remote control device 110 can transmit action frame data packets to media device 108 on a communication channel selected by RF remote control device 110 (e.g., selected using communication channel determination circuitry 338), wherein RF remote control device 110 selects the communication channel based on (i) the energy distribution (e.g., RSSI) of the communication channel used by media device 108 detected by RF remote control device 110 (e.g., using energy detector 308); (ii) the communication channel identification radiation signal detected by RF remote control device 110 (e.g., using radiation detector 332) and indicating the communication channel used by media device 108; or (iii) the communication channel identification audio signal detected by RF remote control device 110 (e.g., using audio detector 328) and indicating the communication channel used by media device 108. In another example, RF remote control device 110 can transmit action frame data packets to media device 108 on a communication channel selected by RF remote control device 110 (e.g., selected using communication channel determination circuitry 338). RF remote control device 110 selects the communication channel based on a wireless communication signal received from media device 108 by RF remote control device 110 (e.g., using RF receiver 306) indicating the communication channel used by media device 108 (e.g., an action frame data packet, whose payload includes a communication channel identifier or identification data). Optionally, after 406, media device 108 can receive action frame data packets from RF remote control device 110, determine the function to be performed based on the received action frame data packets, and perform that function (e.g., volume up, channel down, menu, etc.).

[0048] Optionally, after step 406, in response to the transmission of the action frame data packet, the RF remote control device 110 can receive an ACK signal or a NACK signal from the media device 108 (e.g., via the RF communication chip 302, the RF receiver 306, any other suitable hardware or software, or any combination thereof). For example, the ACK signal can indicate that the media device 108 has received the action frame data packet. In another example, the NACK signal can indicate an error or that the media device 108 has not yet received the action frame data packet. Optionally, in response to receiving the ACK signal, the RF remote control device 110 can stop transmitting the action frame data packet to the media device 108. Optionally, in response to receiving the NACK signal, the RF remote control device 110 can retransmit the action frame data packet to the media device 108 (e.g., via the RF communication chip 302, the RF transmitter 304, any other suitable hardware or software, or any combination thereof).

[0049] For example, it is possible to implement using one or more computer systems. Figure 5 The computer system 500 shown implements various embodiments and / or components described herein. The computer system 500 can be any computer or computing device capable of performing the functions described herein. For example, the computer system 500 can be used to implement any of the embodiments described herein, as well as combinations and sub-combinations thereof.

[0050] Computer system 500 includes one or more processors (also referred to as central processing units, or CPUs), such as processor 504. Processor 504 is connected to communication infrastructure 506 (e.g., a bus).

[0051] In some embodiments, processor 504 can be a graphics processing unit (GPU). In some embodiments, the GPU can be a processor, which is a dedicated electronic circuit designed for processing mathematically intensive applications. The GPU can have a parallel architecture, which is very effective for parallel processing of large blocks of data, such as common mathematically intensive data in computer graphics applications, images, videos, etc.

[0052] The computer system 500 also includes one or more user input / output devices 503, such as monitors, keyboards, click devices, etc., and the one or more input / output devices 503 communicate with the communication infrastructure 506 through one or more user input / output interfaces 502.

[0053] Computer system 500 also includes main memory 508 (e.g., main memory or storage device) such as random access memory (RAM). Main memory 508 can include one or more levels of cache. Main memory 508 can have control logic (i.e., computer software) and / or data stored therein.

[0054] Computer system 500 may also include one or more auxiliary storage devices or memories, such as auxiliary storage 510. Auxiliary storage 510 may include, for example, hard disk drive 512, removable storage drive 514 (e.g., removable storage device), or both. Removable storage drive 514 may be a floppy disk drive, tape drive, compact disk drive, optical storage device, tape backup device, and / or any other storage device / drive.

[0055] Removable storage drive 514 is capable of interacting with removable storage unit 518. Removable storage unit 518 includes a computer-usable or readable storage device on which computer software (e.g., control logic) and / or data is stored. Removable storage unit 518 can be a floppy disk, magnetic tape, compact disc, DVD, optical disc, and / or any other computer data storage device. Removable storage drive 514 can read from and / or write to removable storage unit 518.

[0056] In some embodiments, the auxiliary storage 510 may include other means, devices, components, tools, or other methods for enabling computer programs and / or other instructions and / or data to be accessed by the computer system 500. Such means, devices, components, tools, or other methods may include, for example, a removable storage unit 522 and an interface 520. Examples of the removable storage unit 522 and interface 520 may include program cartridges and cassette tape interfaces (such as those found in video game devices), removable memory chips (such as EPROM or PROM) and associated sockets, memory sticks and USB ports, memory cards and associated memory card slots, and / or any other removable storage unit and associated interface.

[0057] Computer system 500 may also include a communication interface 524 (e.g., a network interface). Communication interface 524 enables computer system 500 to communicate and interact with any combination of external or remote devices, external or remote networks, remote entities, etc. (individually or collectively represented by reference numeral 528). For example, communication interface 524 enables computer system 500 to communicate with external or remote device 528 via communication path 526, which can be wired, wireless, or a combination thereof, and can include any combination of LAN, WAN, Internet, etc. Control logic and / or data can be transmitted to or from computer system 500 via communication path 526.

[0058] The computer system 500 may also be, for example, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a desktop workstation, a laptop or notebook computer, a netbook, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a smartwatch or other wearable device, part of the Internet of Things, and / or an embedded system (these are just some non-limiting examples) and any combination thereof.

[0059] Computer system 500 can be a client or server that accesses or hosts any application and / or data through any delivery mode, including but not limited to remote or distributed cloud computing solutions, on-premises or on-premises software (cloud-based "on-premises" solutions), "as-a-service" models (e.g., Content as a Service (CaaS), Digital Content as a Service (DCaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), Managed Software as a Service (MSaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Desktop as a Service (DaaS), Framework as a Service (FaaS), Backend as a Service (BaaS), Mobile Backend as a Service (MBaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), etc.), and / or any combination of the above examples or hybrid models of other services or delivery modes.

[0060] Any applicable data structures, file formats, and schemas in Computer Systems 500 may be derived from standards and specifications relating to images, audio, video, streaming (e.g., Adaptive Bitrate (ABR) streaming, content feeding), high dynamic range (HDR) video, text (e.g., closed captions, subtitles), metadata (e.g., content metadata), data exchange, data serialization, data tagging, digital rights management (DRM), encryption, any other suitable function or purpose, or any combination thereof. Alternatively, proprietary data structures, formats, or schemas may be used, either alone or in combination with other standards or specifications.

[0061] Standards and specifications related to images may include, but are not limited to, Basic Indexed Frame (BIF), Bitmap (BMP), Graphics Interchange Format (GIF), Joint Group of Image Experts (JPEG or JPG), Portable Network Graphics (PNG), any other suitable technology (e.g., a functionally similar representation), any predecessors, successors and variations of the above technologies, and any combination thereof.

[0062] Audio-related standards and specifications may include, but are not limited to, Advanced Audio Coding (AAC), High Efficiency AAC (AAC-HE), Low Complexity AAC (AAC-LC), Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC), Audio Data Transmission Stream (ADTS), Audio Exchange File Format (AIFF), Digital Cinema System (DTS), DTS Express (DTSE), Dolby Digital (DD or AC3), Dolby Digital Enhanced (DD+ or Enhanced AC3 (EAC3)), Dolby AC4, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Multistream (MS12), Free Lossless Audio Codec (FLAC), Linear Pulse Code Modulation (LPCM or PCM), Matroska Audio (MKA), Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) Part 1 and Part 3 of MPEG-2 (MP3), MPEG-4 Audio (e.g., MP4A or M4A), Ogg, and Ogg with Vorbis Audio (Ogg... Vorbis), Opus, Vorbis, waveform audio file format (WAVE or WAV), Windows Media Audio (WMA), any other suitable technology, any predecessor, successor and variant of the above technologies, and any combination thereof.

[0063] Standards and specifications related to video may include, but are not limited to, Open Media Consortium (AOMedia) Video 1 (AV1), Audio Video Interleaving (AVI), Matroska Video (MKV), MPEG-4 Part 10 Advanced Video Coding (AVC or H.264), MPEG-4 Part 14 (MP4), MPEG-4 Video (e.g., MP4V or M4V), MPEG-H Part 2 High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC or H.265), QuickTime file format (QTFF or MOV), VP8, VP9, ​​WebM, Windows Media Video (WMV), any other suitable technology, any predecessors, successors and variations of the above technologies, and any combination thereof.

[0064] Standards and specifications related to streaming may include, but are not limited to, HTTP-based adaptive streaming, Common Media Application Format (CMAF), Direct Publisher JavaScript Object Notation (JSON), High Definition Adaptive Streaming, HTTP Dynamic Streaming, HTTP Real-Time Streaming (HLS), HTTP Secure (HTTPS), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Internet Information Services (IIS) Smooth Streaming (SMOOTH), Media RSS (MRSS), HTTP-based MPEG Dynamic Adaptive Streaming (MPEG-DASH or DASH), MPEG Transport Streaming (MPEG-TS or TS), Protected Interoperable File Format (PIFF), Extensible HEVC (SHVC), any other suitable technology, any predecessors, successors and variations of the above technologies, and any combination thereof.

[0065] Standards and specifications related to HDR video may include, but are not limited to, Dolby Vision, HDR10 Media Profile (HDR10), HDR10 Enhanced (HDR10+), Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG), Perceptual Quantizer (PQ), SL-HDR1, any other suitable technology, any predecessors, successors and variations of the above technologies, and any combination thereof.

[0066] Standards and specifications related to text, metadata, data exchange, data serialization, and data tagging may include, but are not limited to, Internet Information Services (IIS) Smooth Streaming Manifestations (ISM), IIS Smooth Streaming Text (ISMT), Matroska Captions (MKS), SubRip (SRT), Timed Text Markup Language (TTML), Web Video Text Tracks (WebVTT or WVTT), Comma Separated Values ​​(CSV), Extensible Markup Language (XML), Extensible Hypertext Markup Language (XHTML), XML User Interface Language (XUL), JSON, MessagePack, Wireless Markup Language (WML), another markup language (YAML), any other suitable technology, any predecessors, successors, and variations of the above technologies, and any combination thereof.

[0067] Standards and specifications related to DRM and encryption may include, but are not limited to, Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) (e.g., AES-128, AES-192, AES-256), Blowfish (BF), Cipher Block Chaining (CBC), Cipher Feedback (CFB), Counter (CTR), Data Encryption Standard (DES), Triple DES (3DES), Electronic Codebook (ECB), FairPlay, Galois Message Authentication Code (GMAC), Galois / Counter Mode (GCM), High Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP), Output Feedback (OFB), PlayReady, Propagation CBC (PCBC), Trusted Execution Environment (TEE), Verimatrix, Widevine, any other suitable technology, any predecessors, successors and variations of the above technologies, and any combination thereof, such as AES-CBC Encryption (CBCS) and AES-CTR Encryption (CENC).

[0068] In some embodiments, a tangible, non-transitory device or article of manufacture includes a tangible, non-transitory computer-usable or readable medium on which control logic (software) is stored. A tangible, non-transitory device or article of manufacture may also be referred to herein as a computer program product or program storage device. This includes, but is not limited to, computer system 500, main memory 508, secondary memory 510, and removable storage units 518 and 522, and tangible articles of manufacture implementing any combination thereof. Such control logic, when executed by one or more data processing devices (e.g., computer system 500), enables such data processing devices to operate as described herein.

[0069] Based on the teachings contained in this disclosure, it will be helpful for those skilled in the art to use... Figure 5 It will be apparent that embodiments of this disclosure can be made and used with data processing devices, computer systems, and / or computer architectures other than those shown. In particular, embodiments are capable of operating with software, hardware, and / or operating system implementations other than those described herein.

[0070] It should be understood that the "Detailed Description" section, and not the other sections, is intended to interpret the claims. The other sections may set forth one or more exemplary embodiments conceived by the inventors, but do not set forth all exemplary embodiments, and therefore are not intended to limit this disclosure or the appended claims in any way.

[0071] While this disclosure describes exemplary embodiments in exemplary fields and applications, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited thereto. Other embodiments and modifications to the embodiments are also possible and fall within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. For example, without limiting the generality of this paragraph, the embodiments are not limited to the software, hardware, firmware, and / or entities shown in the drawings and / or described herein. Furthermore, the embodiments (whether explicitly described herein or not) have significant utility in fields and applications beyond those illustrated herein.

[0072] This document has described embodiments using functional building blocks, which illustrate the implementation of specific functions and their relationships. For ease of description, the boundaries of these functional building blocks are arbitrarily defined herein. Alternative boundaries can be defined as long as the specified functions and relationships (or their equivalents) are appropriately performed. Similarly, alternative embodiments can perform functional blocks, steps, operations, methods, etc., in an order different from that described herein.

[0073] The terms "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," or similar phrases used herein indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but do not mean that every embodiment must include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, whether or not it is explicitly mentioned or described herein, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art to incorporate that feature, structure, or characteristic into other embodiments. Additionally, the phrases "coupled" and "connected," and their derivatives, may be used to describe some embodiments. These terms are not necessarily synonyms. For example, some embodiments may use the terms "connected" and / or "coupled" to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. However, the term "coupled" may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but still cooperate or interact with each other.

[0074] The breadth and scope of this disclosure should not be limited to any of the above embodiments, but should be defined solely by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An apparatus for remotely controlling a media device, comprising: A radio frequency communication chip configured to support only a subset of Wi-Fi protocols, the subset including the Wi-Fi Action Frame Protocol which uses only one digital modulation technique; Memory; as well as At least one processor coupled to the radio frequency communication chip and the memory, and the at least one processor is configured to: Receive electronic signals instructing users on commands; Wi-Fi action frame packets are generated based on the electronic signal and the Wi-Fi action frame protocol, while avoiding Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) / Internet Protocol (IP) packets. These Wi-Fi action frame packets are configured to instruct a media device to perform a function associated with the user command. The radio frequency communication chip is used to transmit the Wi-Fi action frame data packet to the media device.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The Wi-Fi action frame data packet is a vendor-specific Wi-Fi action frame data packet.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, In order to transmit the Wi-Fi action frame data packet to the media device, the at least one processor is configured to transmit the Wi-Fi action frame data packet through two or more communication channels.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The two or more communication channels include a 2.4 GHz communication channel and a 5.0 GHz communication channel.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The radio frequency communication chip is also configured to: Detect the energy distribution between the radio frequency communication chip and the media device; and In order to transmit the Wi-Fi action frame data packet to the media device, the at least one processor is configured to: The communication channel is determined based on the detected energy distribution; as well as The radio frequency communication chip is used to transmit the Wi-Fi action frame data packet to the media device through the determined communication channel.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A radiation detector, configured as follows: Detecting radiation signals that indicate the communication channel used by the media device; In order to transmit the Wi-Fi action frame data packet to the media device, the at least one processor is configured to: The communication channel is selected based on the detected radiation signal; and The radio frequency communication chip is used to transmit the Wi-Fi action frame data packet to the media device through the selected communication channel.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: An audio detector is configured as follows: Detect an audio signal that indicates the communication channel used by the media device; In order to transmit the Wi-Fi action frame data packet to the media device, the at least one processor is configured to: The communication channel is selected based on the detected audio signal; and The radio frequency communication chip is used to transmit the Wi-Fi action frame data packet to the media device through the selected communication channel.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The radio frequency communication chip is also configured to: In response to the transmission of the Wi-Fi action frame data packet, an acknowledgment signal is received from the media device.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The radio frequency communication chip is also configured to: Receives a wireless communication signal indicating the communication channel used by the media device; and In order to transmit the Wi-Fi action frame data packet to the media device, the at least one processor is configured to: The communication channel is selected based on the received wireless communication signal; as well as The radio frequency communication chip is used to transmit the Wi-Fi action frame data packet to the media device through the selected communication channel.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to: An encrypted Wi-Fi action frame data packet is generated based on the Wi-Fi action frame data packet; and The encrypted Wi-Fi action frame data packets are transmitted to the media device using the radio frequency communication chip. Unencrypted Wi-Fi action frame data packets will never be transmitted to the media device.

11. A remote control device for remotely controlling media devices, comprising: A radio frequency communication chip configured to support only a subset of Wi-Fi protocols, the subset including the Wi-Fi Action Frame Protocol which uses only one digital modulation technique; Memory; as well as At least one processor coupled to the radio frequency communication chip and the memory, and the at least one processor is configured to: Receive electronic signals instructing users on commands; Wi-Fi action frame packets are generated based on the electronic signal and the Wi-Fi action frame protocol, while avoiding Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) / Internet Protocol (IP) packets. These Wi-Fi action frame packets are configured to instruct the media device to perform a function associated with the user command. The radio frequency communication chip is used to transmit the Wi-Fi action frame data packet to the media device.

12. The remote control device according to claim 11, wherein, The Wi-Fi action frame data packet is a vendor-specific Wi-Fi action frame data packet.

13. The remote control device according to claim 11, wherein, In order to transmit the Wi-Fi action frame data packet to the media device, the at least one processor is configured to transmit the Wi-Fi action frame data packet through two or more communication channels.

14. The remote control device according to claim 11, wherein: The radio frequency communication chip is also configured to: Detect the energy distribution between the radio frequency communication chip and the media device; and In order to transmit the Wi-Fi action frame data packet to the media device, the at least one processor is configured to: The communication channel is determined based on the detected energy distribution; as well as The radio frequency communication chip is used to transmit the Wi-Fi action frame data packet to the media device through the determined communication channel.

15. The remote control device according to claim 11, further comprising: A radiation detector, configured as follows: Detecting radiation signals that indicate the communication channel used by the media device; In order to transmit the Wi-Fi action frame data packet to the media device, the at least one processor is configured to: The communication channel is selected based on the detected radiation signal; and The radio frequency communication chip is used to transmit the Wi-Fi action frame data packet to the media device through the selected communication channel.

16. The remote control device according to claim 11, further comprising: An audio detector is configured as follows: Detect an audio signal that indicates the communication channel used by the media device; In order to transmit the Wi-Fi action frame data packet to the media device, the at least one processor is configured to: The communication channel is selected based on the detected audio signal; and The radio frequency communication chip is used to transmit the Wi-Fi action frame data packet to the media device through the selected communication channel.

17. The remote control device according to claim 11, wherein: The radio frequency communication chip is also configured to: In response to the transmission of the Wi-Fi action frame data packet, an acknowledgment signal is received from the media device.

18. The remote control device according to claim 11, wherein: The radio frequency communication chip is also configured to: Receives a wireless communication signal indicating the communication channel used by the media device; and In order to transmit the Wi-Fi action frame data packet to the media device, the at least one processor is configured to: The communication channel is selected based on the received wireless communication signal; as well as The radio frequency communication chip is used to transmit the Wi-Fi action frame data packet to the media device through the selected communication channel.

19. A computer-implemented method for remotely controlling a media device, comprising: At least one processor coupled to a radio frequency communication chip receives an electronic signal indicating a user command, the radio frequency communication chip being configured to support only a subset of Wi-Fi protocols, the subset including the Wi-Fi Action Frame Protocol which uses only one digital modulation technique; The at least one processor generates Wi-Fi action frame packets based on the electronic signal and the Wi-Fi action frame protocol, while avoiding Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) / Internet Protocol (IP) packets. These Wi-Fi action frame packets are configured to instruct the media device to perform a function associated with the user command. The Wi-Fi action frame data packet is transmitted to the media device via the radio frequency communication chip.

20. The computer-implemented method according to claim 19, wherein, The Wi-Fi action frame data packet is a vendor-specific Wi-Fi action frame data packet.

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