Configurable Media Control Keys for Automatic Provider Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing controlling devices require manual user programming of command sequences or channel numbers for accessing favorite media content, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A controlling device is provisioned with keys that can receive inserts or stickers imprinted with media content provider logos and QR codes, using image recognition or QR scanning to automatically assign channel tuning commands, enabling quick configuration without manual input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual user programming of command sequences or channel numbers is required, then the controlling device can access media content, but the configuration process becomes inconvenient and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The controlling device performs self-configuration by automatically detecting inserts on keys, capturing images, recognizing media content provider logos, and assigning commands without requiring manual user programming. The system serves itself by using its own image capturing device and image recognition service to complete the configuration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical programming actions with automated optical recognition. Instead of requiring users to manually enter command sequences or channel numbers, the system uses image capturing and image recognition technology to automatically identify media content providers and assign corresponding commands to keys.
2Productivity
If automatic configuration via image recognition is implemented, then configuration speed increases, but device complexity increases due to image capturing device and recognition service requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The controlling device integrates multiple functions into a single system: it serves as both a control device for media content and a self-configuration system. The image capturing device and image recognition service are built into the controlling device, allowing it to automatically configure itself without external assistance, thereby achieving multi-functionality that justifies the added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image recognition service as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the physical insert with the media content provider logo and the digital command assignment. This intermediary service automatically translates visual information into configuration data, enabling automatic setup while managing system complexity through a dedicated functional module.
3Ease of operation
If manual programming is used, then the controlling device structure remains simple, but user experience deteriorates due to complex configuration steps
Solution Approach 1:
The controlling device eliminates the need for users to perform complex programming tasks by implementing self-service configuration. The system automatically detects inserts, captures images, recognizes media content providers, and assigns commands without requiring users to understand or manually input command sequences, thereby dramatically improving user experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex configuration logic from the user's manual operations and relocates it into the controlling device's automated systems. The image capturing device, image recognition service, and command assignment algorithms are all contained within the controlling device, removing the burden of complex configuration steps from the user experience.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates rapid and convenient setup of media access keys by automatically associating commands with media content providers, enhancing user experience and reducing configuration complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an image capturing device may be used to obtain an image of the insert/key combinations
Implementation Method 2
the image may be analyzed by an image recognition service using image processing techniques to determine which media content providers were associated with which keys
Data Source
AI summary
A controlling device has a configurable key. An insert is provided to the configurable key and includes an indicium representative of a media content provider. An image of the indicium or an image of a QR code associated with the indicium is used to assign one or more commands to the configurable key. The one or more commands are used to cause a controllable device to tune to a channel on which the media content provider is being broadcast, to invoke an app associated with the media content provider, to access a website associated with the media content provider, and the like.