Companion Remote Control Interface for Smart Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart devices, such as smartphones, require constant switching between applications to control various systems, making multi-tasking inconvenient and time-consuming due to the need for dedicated remote control applications.
Innovation Solution
A companion remote control system that coordinates with smart devices to provide instant access to typical controls while allowing alternative use of the smart device, using a control processor, a companion remote, and a software application to transmit control signals to controlled components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a smart device runs a dedicated remote control application to control various systems, then control functionality is achieved, but the user must constantly switch between applications making multi-tasking inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides control functionality into two segments: a smart device for initial configuration and system control, and a companion remote for immediate control access. This segmentation allows the smart device to be used for other tasks while the companion remote handles control functions independently.
Solution Approach 2:
A companion remote acts as an intermediary device between the user and the controlled systems. It receives control signals from the smart device and transmits them to the controlled components, enabling the smart device to be freed from constant control application usage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If smart devices are used for control, then powerful processing and multiple applications are available, but the device must be constantly engaged with the remote control application to be effective
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the smart device's role to initial configuration and system setup from the companion remote's role in providing continuous control access. This allows the smart device to run multiple applications while the companion remote maintains dedicated control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart device performs preliminary actions by configuring the controlled components and establishing control pathways before the user needs to use the control functions. Once configured, the companion remote can operate independently without requiring the smart device to maintain the control application active.
3Reliability
If a dedicated remote control application is used on smart devices, then control signals can be transmitted to audio/visual equipment, but the user experience becomes distracting and time-consuming when multi-tasking is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The companion remote serves as an intermediary that maintains the control signal transmission capability independently of the smart device. It receives control commands and transmits them to the audio/visual equipment without requiring the smart device to maintain the control application active.
Solution Approach 2:
The companion remote creates a copy of the control functionality from the smart device application. It replicates the control signal transmission capabilities in a standalone device, allowing the smart device to be used for other purposes while control functions remain accessible through the companion remote.
Data Source
AI summary
A companion remote control system is usable with smart devices for controlling a plurality of controlled components. An overall control system includes: a companion remote configured for remote communication, and providing command options for a user desiring to interact with a controlled component; a software application configured for running on smart devices, which typically includes a graphical interface for the user to select desired controlled component from plurality of controlled components; and a control processor capable of communicating with companion remote, smart device and controlled components. The control processor is programmed to correlate user commands received from companion remote to appropriate instructions for a specific controlled component selection received from smart device. The control processor instructing the controlled component based on those commands, thereby allowing user to interact with selected controlled component using companion remote as if it was dedicated to that controlled component.