Activity-Based Universal Remote Setup for Simplified Appliance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing universal remote controls require significant user interaction to configure and switch operational modes between appliances, making setup and operation cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A universal remote control with activity-based configuration, allowing users to select designated activities through a series of keystrokes, which automatically configures pre-programmed power macro sequences and function key mappings for registered appliances, simplifying the setup process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a universal controlling device is used to consolidate system control functionality into a single user interface, then control functionality is consolidated, but the user must continually switch operational modes back and forth between appliances during setup and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control functionality by creating separate operational modes for different appliances (TV mode, VCR mode, DVD mode, etc.). Each mode is independently configured and optimized for specific appliance types, allowing the universal controller to adapt its behavior based on the selected mode rather than requiring continuous mode switching during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic mode switching capability where the controlling device can automatically or manually switch between different operational modes based on user selection or detected appliance state. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need for manual reconfiguration and allows seamless transition between controlling different appliances within each mode.
2Ease of operation
If activity-based universal controlling devices are introduced with task-oriented key layouts and macro sequences, then user activities are better supported, but considerable user interaction is required to initially configure the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures multiple operational modes with pre-programmed macro sequences and function key mappings tailored to specific appliance types and user activities. These preliminary configurations cover common scenarios (watching TV, playing movies, listening to music) so that users can quickly select from pre-defined activity sets rather than programming everything from scratch, significantly reducing initial setup time while maintaining activity-based functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the controlling device to automatically configure itself by detecting which appliances are present in the system and automatically assigning appropriate operational modes and macro sequences. The device can self-identify appliance types and automatically set up the corresponding control parameters, eliminating or minimizing the need for manual user configuration while still providing activity-based control capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A controlling device having an activity mode corresponding to a controllable activity in which activation of a command key within a logical group of command keys of the controlling device causes a transmission of command data to control one or more functional operations of an intended target appliance. For a controllable activity the controlling device has a memory in which is stored a plurality of predetermined appliance to logical group of command keys mappings. To configure the controlling device for the controllable activity one or more predetermined keys of the controlling device are activated to thereby designate one or more intended target appliances for the controllable activity. When the controlling device is then placed into the activity mode corresponding to the controllable activity, the controlling device will use the configuration to select one of the plurality of predetermined appliance to logical group of command keys mappings to determine which appliance command data to transmit in response to an activation of a command key within a logical group of command keys.