Control Device Automatic Target Selection via Signal Strength Ratio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current control methods for household appliances require manual selection of devices due to limitations in signal transmission directionality and capacity, leading to decreased user experience with increasing numbers of appliances.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that automatically identify and select a target controlled device by measuring signal strength ratios in direct and multipath modes, using a control device to determine the intended device and display its control interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If IrDA technology is used for device selection, then directivity and automatic device identification are improved, but transmission distance and information capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal reception process into two distinct modes: direct path mode for obtaining primary signal strength information, and multipath mode for obtaining secondary signal strength information. This segmentation allows the system to leverage the directional advantages of IrDA while working around its information capacity limitations by processing signals through multiple distinct channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to device selection by comparing signal strengths across two different transmission paths (direct and multipath) rather than relying on a single measurement. This dimensional approach enables the system to automatically identify the controlled device despite IrDA's limited information capacity, as the ratio of signal strengths provides additional discriminatory information.
2Quantity of substance
If radio electromagnetic wave communication is used, then transmission distance and information capacity are improved, but directivity and automatic device identification capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the signal strength ratio as an intermediary metric to bridge the gap between radio electromagnetic wave communication and automatic device identification. By calculating the ratio of direct path signal strength to multipath signal strength, the system creates a new measurement that indirectly indicates directional alignment, enabling automatic device identification without requiring the controlling device to physically point at the controlled device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual device selection is required, then device control flexibility is improved, but user experience and operation efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors signal strengths from multiple controlled devices, calculates their respective ratios, and automatically identifies the intended controlled device based on predefined thresholds. This feedback loop eliminates manual selection steps while preserving control flexibility, as the system adapts to the user's intended target through real-time signal analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically identifying and selecting the controlled device without requiring user intervention. The controlling device autonomously measures signal strengths, computes ratios, compares them against thresholds, and determines which controlled device the user intends to operate, thereby eliminating the time loss associated with manual device selection.
4Adaptability or versatility
If one control device controls multiple household appliances, then system integration and home intelligence are improved, but device selection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing signal strength thresholds for different controlled devices before the actual control operation. When a user points the controlling device, the system has already prepared the threshold values needed for automatic identification, allowing it to quickly and accurately select the intended device without complex real-time decision-making, thereby reducing perceived selection complexity despite multiple integrated devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and a control device for selecting a controlled device. The method includes: acquiring, by a control device, a first signal received strength of data that is received by each controlled device of at least one controlled device in a direct path mode, and a second signal received strength of data that is received by each controlled device of the at least one controlled device in a multipath mode; calculating a ratio of the first signal received strength to the second signal received strength of each controlled device, to obtain a signal received strength ratio of each controlled device; determining, according to the signal received strength ratio of each controlled device and a preset signal received strength ratio corresponding to the controlled device, whether the control device directs to the corresponding controlled device; and determining a target controlled device to which the control device directs, and displaying a control interface of the target controlled device on the control device. In the present invention, the control device can automatically identify and select a controlled device that a user wants to control.