Control Device Switching Between Wi-Fi and Infrared Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Broadcast receivers controlled by portable devices using Wi-Fi face inconvenience due to the need for a waiting period when in sleep mode, as bi-directional wireless communication is not always available, making prompt user actions difficult.
Innovation Solution
A control device that switches between bi-directional and unidirectional wireless communication modes, using a state determination unit to select the appropriate mode based on communication availability, with a user interface to display and receive control commands, and a low-power unidirectional interface for when bi-directional communication is not possible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bi-directional wireless communication (Wi-Fi) is used to control the broadcast receiver, then communication reliability is improved, but response time deteriorates when the control device is in sleep mode
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between bi-directional Wi-Fi communication and unidirectional infrared communication based on the operational state of the control device. When awake, it uses Wi-Fi for reliable bidirectional communication; when in sleep mode, it transitions to infrared for immediate response without waiting time, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication mechanism (infrared communication) that bridges the gap when the primary bi-directional Wi-Fi communication is unavailable due to sleep mode. This intermediary allows the broadcast receiver to send commands to the control device even when Wi-Fi is inactive, effectively resolving the response time issue while maintaining communication reliability.
2Reliability
If bi-directional wireless communication is used, then communication capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device periodically switches between sleep mode (low energy consumption) and active mode (full communication capability) using Wi-Fi. During sleep mode, it consumes minimal energy; when activation is needed, it wakes up to use Wi-Fi for communication, thus resolving the contradiction between communication capability and energy consumption through periodic activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The infrared communication serves as an intermediary that enables the broadcast receiver to initiate communication without requiring the control device to maintain Wi-Fi connectivity. This allows the control device to remain in low-power sleep mode while still being controllable via infrared, reducing energy consumption while preserving essential communication capability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If sleep mode is activated to reduce battery consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but communication availability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs infrared communication as an intermediary that remains functional even when Wi-Fi is disabled during sleep mode. This intermediary channel ensures that the broadcast receiver can still communicate with the control device during sleep mode, thus maintaining communication availability while achieving energy efficiency through reduced Wi-Fi usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its communication mode based on power state: using Wi-Fi when active and infrared when in sleep mode. This dynamic adaptation allows the device to maintain communication availability across different operational states while optimizing battery consumption by using the lower-power infrared mode during sleep periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device is provided. The control device includes a first communication interface unit which transmits a control command in a first communication mode which uses a bi-directional wireless communication, a second communication interface unit which transmits a control command in a second communication mode which uses a unidirectional wireless communication, a state determination unit which determines a communication mode of the control device, a user interface unit which displays a user interface window which corresponds to a determined communication mode and receives the control command with respect to a broadcast receiver and a control unit which transmits the received control command according to the determined communication mode.