Activity-Based Universal Remote Setup With Automatic Key Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing universal remote controls require complex user interaction for initial configuration and mode switching during setup and operation, necessitating multiple keystrokes and programming on the remote or associated devices.
Innovation Solution
A universal remote control equipped with activity-based keys that allow users to register appliances for specific activities, automatically configuring power macros and function key mappings through simplified keystrokes, enabling single-key operation for multiple devices.
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, DVD mode, cable box mode, etc.). Each mode is independently configurable and selectable, allowing the remote to specialize in controlling one appliance at a time rather than attempting universal control across all devices simultaneously. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by organizing versatility into discrete, easily switchable segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic mode switching capability that allows the operational mode to change flexibly based on user selection. The remote can dynamically transition between different appliance control modes during both setup and operation phases, with each mode adapting its command set and behavior to match the selected appliance type. This dynamic adaptability maintains ease of operation while preserving versatile control functionality.
2Ease of operation
If macro commands are provided for user pre-programmed sequences of operation, then operation sequences can be pre-programmed, but considerable user interaction is required to initially configure the controlling device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring appliance-specific operational modes with their associated macro sequences and command mappings before the user needs them. During initial setup, the user simply selects which appliances they own, and the system automatically prepares the appropriate pre-programmed sequences and control mappings in advance. This eliminates the need for users to manually program complex sequences during operation, as everything is preliminarily arranged based on appliance selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service configuration where the controlling device automatically generates and configures macro commands and operational sequences based on the user's appliance selections. The system performs self-configuration by automatically creating mode-specific control sets without requiring extensive manual programming by the user. The device serves itself by generating the necessary control logic based on simple user inputs about which appliances are present.
3Adaptability or versatility
If user re-programming of appliance commands is provided to function across controlling device operational modes, then commands can function across modes, but considerable user interaction is required for initial configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by creating operational modes that can handle multiple appliance types within each mode category. For example, the TV mode can accommodate different television brands and models with a single configuration, and the cable box mode can handle various set-top box types. This multi-functional approach allows commands to work across different appliances within a mode without requiring separate re-programming for each device, reducing configuration complexity while maintaining versatility.
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.