Command Relay Receiver for Low-Memory User Input Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
In home networking environments, user input devices face challenges in managing increasing demands for memory due to the need to store device-specific data and communication protocol stacks for multiple connected devices, especially in low-cost devices with limited memory space.
Innovation Solution
A receiver apparatus and method that receives user input commands, determines if they are intended for itself or external devices, and either executes or relays the commands to the appropriate devices, reducing the need for device-specific data and protocol stacks on the user input device by using a processor and communication interface to parse and route commands through a mesh network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a user input device stores device-specific data and communication protocol stacks for multiple networked devices, then the device can control more devices, but the memory requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a receiver as an intermediary device between the user input device and multiple networked devices. The receiver stores device-specific data and communication protocol stacks, while the user input device only needs to send commands to the receiver. This mediator approach allows the user input device to control multiple devices without storing extensive device-specific information locally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the memory-intensive functions of storing device-specific data and protocol stacks from the user input device and relocates them to the receiver. The user input device is left with only the essential command transmission functionality, significantly reducing its memory requirements while maintaining the ability to control multiple devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a low-cost user input device with limited memory tries to store protocol stacks for multiple devices, then it can provide comprehensive control, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver serves as a mediator that handles the complexity of managing multiple device protocols and specifications. The user input device remains simple and low-cost, relying on the receiver to manage the sophisticated protocol stacks and device-specific data required for controlling multiple networked devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver is designed as a universal device that can handle protocol stacks and device-specific data for multiple different types of networked devices. This multi-functional receiver eliminates the need for each user input device to have specialized memory architectures for different device types.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments discussed herein are directed to an apparatus and method for relaying user input commands by a receiver to other devices connected to or in communication with the receiver. In one embodiment, a receiver receives one or more commands from a user input device and determines if the command is intended for the receiver or for a device in communication with the receiver. Based on this determination, the receiver may either execute the command or relay the command to a device that is attached or otherwise in communication with the receiver.