Universal Remote Codeset Database Star Cluster Linking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote control devices require large memory spaces to store codeset databases due to the need for duplicate keycode tables for combo devices, which is inefficient and wasteful of memory resources.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a sequential star linking scheme and cluster linking method for keycode data structures, where a dummy keycode data structure with multiple pointers links TV and VCR keycode data structures for combo devices, and a common keycode data structure with system codes is used for TV device types with similar keycodes but different system codes, reducing memory usage by eliminating redundant data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If duplicate keycode tables are stored for combo devices, then device functionality is maintained, but memory space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple keycode tables (TV and VCR) into a single unified keycode table for combo devices. Instead of storing separate duplicate tables, the invention merges the keycodes from both device types into one table, eliminating redundancy while preserving all necessary control functions for the combo device.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified keycode table is designed to serve multiple device types (both TV and VCR functions) simultaneously. A single table structure can handle keycodes for different device types through universal addressing and interpretation mechanisms, allowing one table to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate tables.
2Quantity of substance
If sequential star linking scheme is implemented, then memory space is reduced, but data structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the unified keycode table into logical sections or groups corresponding to different device types (TV, VCR, etc.). Each section can be independently addressed and accessed, allowing the processor to efficiently navigate to the appropriate keycodes without searching the entire table, thus managing complexity through structured organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces intermediary data structures such as device type identifiers, keycode offsets, and linking pointers that mediate between the processor and the unified keycode table. These intermediaries simplify the access mechanism by providing a structured interface that handles the complexity of navigating the merged table, while presenting a simple access model to the rest of the system.
3Quantity of substance
If common keycode data structure with system codes is used, then redundancy is eliminated, but processing time may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary organization of keycodes within the unified table, pre-grouping them by device type and function. System codes and device identifiers are placed in predetermined locations, allowing the processor to quickly identify and access the correct keycodes without extensive searching. This pre-arranged structure reduces processing time despite the merged nature of the table.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the unified keycode table are optimized for their specific purposes. TV keycodes are organized with TV-specific characteristics, VCR keycodes with VCR characteristics, and so on. This local optimization within the unified structure allows efficient access to device-specific keycodes while maintaining the overall space-saving benefits of the merged table.
Data Source
AI summary
A keycode data structure includes a device type byte, a set of keycodes, system code information, a system data byte, a protocol pointer that points to a protocol table and a number of flagbytes that are used to index a particular key among the keycodes. The keycode data structure also contains a plurality of keycode data structure pointers (KDSPs). Keycode data structures are linked together using KDSPs. A special value in the keycode data structure is used to indicate that the keycode data structure contains multiple KDSPs. The number of pointers is stored in a particular location of the keycode data structure.