3D Pointing Remote Pairing and Mode Switching for TV Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Complex remote controllers with numerous buttons can be inconvenient for users as they navigate increasing video and service options on digital image display devices, particularly during the transition from analog to digital broadcasting.

Innovation Solution

A 3D remote controller that can automatically pair with an image display device using RF or IR communication standards, allowing control before pairing and switching between modes based on user input or inactivity to optimize power consumption and user experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a remote controller supports multiple communication standards (RF and IR) and multiple operation modes, then the adaptability and versatility of the device is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication standard compatibilityVSAvoidremote controller structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The remote controller is designed to support multiple communication standards (RF and IR) and multiple operation modes (pointer mode and key input mode) within a single device, eliminating the need for separate remote controllers for different functions. The controller automatically or manually switches between standards and modes to provide universal control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If automatic pairing functionality is added to the remote controller, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepairing processVSAvoidpairing mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The remote controller performs automatic pairing with the digital broadcasting receiver before actual use. The pairing process is initiated automatically when the remote controller is first used, or can be manually triggered, and completes the binding between the remote and the receiver in advance, so that users can immediately use the remote without going through a pairing process later.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the remote controller allows control operations before pairing is complete, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol availabilityVSAvoidcontrol stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The remote controller dynamically switches between pointer mode and key input mode based on whether pairing is complete. Before pairing, only pointer mode is available for basic control operations. After pairing, key input mode becomes available for full control functionality. This dynamic adaptation allows control operations to be available progressively without compromising system stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2256926B1Multi-mode pointing device and method for operating a multi-mode pointing device
Publication Date: 2012.11.28 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2256926B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2256926B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP2256926B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

A method for pairing and operating a multi-mode pointing device is provided. A pointing device may be automatically paired with an image display device. A pairing request signal may be transmitted on a prescribed frequency channel, and a signal may be received indicating information of a plurality of frequency channels. One of the frequency channels may be selected as a pairing frequency channel for operating in a radio frequency mode.