AV Receiver Universal Controller Configuration via Status Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex home entertainment systems require cumbersome and error-prone user configurations due to the proliferation of media formats and appliance types, with existing automation methods often failing to account for unexpected equipment configurations.
Innovation Solution
A cooperative method between an AV receiver and a universal controlling device, where activation of activity keys initiates predefined configuration actions based on the AV receiver's status of connected devices, allowing for bidirectional communication and reliable system operation, with user-friendly GUI-based setup and appliance naming for easier configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If existing automation methods (macro sequences or state-based control) are used to configure home entertainment systems, then user configuration operations are automated, but the system fails when equipment configurations or connections are not as expected, leading to errors and user frustration
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by having the controlling device send status request signals to each appliance and receive status response signals. This feedback loop allows the system to verify actual appliance states (powered on/off, present/absent) before and during configuration execution, enabling dynamic adaptation when configurations differ from expectations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting appliance status, determining appropriate configuration actions, and executing reconfiguration without user intervention. The controlling device autonomously sends status requests, processes responses, and adjusts system configuration based on actual appliance states, eliminating the need for manual troubleshooting when configurations are unexpected.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration methods are used for complex home entertainment systems with multiple media formats and appliance types, then system flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but user actions required to configure the system become increasingly onerous and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting appliance status, determining appropriate configuration actions, and executing reconfiguration without user intervention. The controlling device autonomously sends status requests, processes responses, and adjusts system configuration based on actual appliance states, eliminating the need for manual troubleshooting when configurations are unexpected.
Solution Approach 2:
The controlling device serves multiple functions: it acts as a universal remote control for issuing commands to various appliances, a status monitoring system by sending and receiving status signals, and an automatic configuration engine by processing status information and executing appropriate configuration actions. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate manual operations into a single automated system.
3Device complexity
If the controlling device operates independently without cooperative communication with the AV receiver, then device simplicity is maintained, but the system cannot leverage the AV receiver's access to appliance status information for more reliable configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The AV receiver serves as an intermediary between the controlling device and the appliances. The controlling device sends status request signals to the AV receiver, which forwards them to appliances and collects status response signals. The AV receiver relays this status information back to the controlling device, enabling the controlling device to make informed configuration decisions without directly interfacing with each appliance.
Data Source
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AI summary
An entertainment device initiates a configuration process of a controlling device in response to a change in an audio visual entertainment system configuration in which at least one of a plurality devices is connected to the entertainment device as an audio and/or visual source and at least one of the plurality of devices is connected to the entertainment device as an audio and/or visual output destination for the entertainment device.