Adaptive Set-Top Box Interface Using Remote Identity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer electronic appliances lack the ability to recognize and adapt their configuration and menu systems based on the type of controlling device used, which can lead to suboptimal user experiences, especially for different user populations such as children and elderly individuals.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a controlling device identity into command transmissions that allows the appliance to adjust its GUI display and functionality, such as a set top box, to present different menu choices and operational modes tailored to the specific user population using the device, including embedding this identity in command frames, separate transmissions, or detected events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the appliance uses a fixed configuration and menu system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different user populations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance automatically detects the controlling device type and adapts its configuration and menu system without requiring manual user input or system reconfiguration. The system self-adjusts based on the detected device identity, eliminating the need for complex manual adaptation procedures while maintaining high adaptability to different user populations.
Solution Approach 2:
The appliance dynamically changes its operational parameters, including menu structure, display options, and functional availability, based on the detected controlling device type. This allows the same hardware platform to serve multiple user populations by adjusting software parameters rather than requiring hardware modifications or complex configuration procedures.
2Ease of operation
If the appliance adapts its configuration based on controlling device identity, then the ease of operation for specific users is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects the controlling device identity and adjusts its configuration without requiring users to manually select or configure settings. This self-service approach simplifies operation for end users while the added complexity is confined to the automatic detection and adaptation logic within the appliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The appliance maintains a universal base configuration that can serve all users, while adding adaptive capabilities that automatically activate based on device detection. This allows the system to provide specialized functionality for different user populations without abandoning the universal core, balancing ease of operation with manageable complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple controlling devices are supported with different functionalities, then the versatility for different functions is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring device identity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary identification mechanism that bridges the controlling device and the appliance. This intermediary layer translates diverse device identities into a standardized format that the appliance can easily detect and process, reducing the difficulty of device identification while maintaining support for multiple device types and functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects device identity by monitoring changes in communication parameters, command formats, or response patterns from different controlling devices. By focusing on detectable parameter variations rather than complex device characterization, the system achieves versatile device support with relatively simple detection mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A controllable device, such as a set top box, responds to a transmission received from a one of a plurality of controlling devices of differing capabilities by entering into a one of a plurality of operating modes wherein the one of the plurality of operating modes entered into corresponds to the capabilities of the controlling device from which the transmission originated.