Cloud-Based Appliance Control System Reducing Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote control technologies, such as infrared-based systems, suffer from high latency, making them unsuitable for real-time human interaction and are device-specific, limiting their use across various appliances.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based appliance control system that utilizes computing devices like smartphones to control appliances through a control client, which transforms the device into a versatile controller using sensors, communication protocols like QR Codes, NFC, and Bluetooth, enabling standardized interaction with any network-connected appliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If infrared-based remote control is used, then device-specific control is achieved, but latency increases to about 200 ms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical infrared transmission system with an electromagnetic wireless communication system (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other wireless protocols). This substitution eliminates the inherent latency of infrared protocols while maintaining wireless control capability, achieving both low latency and universal device compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal remote control system that can control multiple types of appliances (TVs, set-top boxes, gaming consoles, etc.) through a single device. The control device uses standardized wireless communication protocols to interact with different appliances, eliminating the need for device-specific infrared remotes and reducing overall system latency.
2Ease of operation
If traditional remote control is used, then control function is provided, but latency exceeds the 180 ms threshold for real-time interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the infrared-based control mechanism with modern wireless communication technologies (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other low-latency wireless protocols). This replacement maintains the ease of wireless operation while reducing latency from 200 ms to well below the 180 ms threshold required for real-time interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication parameter from infrared frequency to modern wireless communication protocols with lower latency characteristics. This parameter change enables the system to achieve real-time interaction speeds while preserving the user-friendly wireless control interface.
3Reliability
If infrared remote control is used, then control of specific device is achieved, but versatility across different appliances is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control device that can communicate with multiple types of appliances through standardized wireless protocols. The system includes a database of appliance types and control commands, enabling a single remote to reliably control TVs, set-top boxes, gaming consoles, and other devices without requiring device-specific hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a backend server as an intermediary that manages communication between the control device and various appliances. The server handles device identification, command routing, and protocol translation, enabling reliable control across different appliance types while maintaining system versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method to control an appliance using a computing device, such as a smartphone. The system may have one or more computing devices (each with a control client) and one or more appliances that communicate over a backend control unit to allow a user with the computing device to virtually control the appliance.