Device Control Management Protocol Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Home entertainment systems face challenges in controlling multiple devices with different communication protocols, as universal remote controls require time-consuming configuration and may not support all devices, and existing translation technologies are not dynamically adaptable or reliable, especially with line-of-sight limitations and lack of confirmation mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A device control management system that determines the intent of a command and selects the most suitable communication protocol from multiple supported protocols to communicate with external devices, allowing for intelligent control of home entertainment devices using a set-top box, video game console, or digital video recorder, which can adapt to new devices and communication failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a universal remote control device is used to control multiple devices, then the ability to control different devices is improved, but the configuration time required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting devices on the network, obtaining their capabilities through service calls, and setting up control mappings without user intervention. The entertainment system components automatically register themselves and their supported protocols, eliminating the need for manual remote control configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Device capabilities, supported protocols, and control mappings are pre-configured and registered in the system before actual control operations begin. When a device is added to the entertainment system, its capabilities are immediately available for protocol selection without requiring configuration at the moment of use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If infrared signaling protocol is used for device control, then compatibility with many devices is improved, but reliability decreases due to line-of-sight limitations and lack of confirmation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where control commands are sent and acknowledgments are received to confirm successful execution. The entertainment system components provide status information back to the controlling device, allowing verification that the intended action was performed correctly.
Solution Approach 2:
A network-based intermediary system mediates between the controlling device and the target devices. Instead of direct infrared signaling, commands are transmitted through the network infrastructure, which handles protocol conversion, routing, and reliability assurance, eliminating line-of-sight requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication protocols are supported for different devices, then device compatibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments protocol handling into separate, independent modules or service components. Each protocol is handled by a dedicated handler or service that can be independently configured and maintained. The entertainment system components publish their capabilities through standardized service interfaces, allowing protocol-specific logic to be isolated and managed separately.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments for controlling one or more external audio-visual devices are provided. In one example, a method comprises receiving a device command and determining an intent of the device command. The intent includes an action and an external device to perform the action. The method further comprises selecting a selected protocol for communicating the device command to the external device, where the selected protocol is selected from a plurality of supported protocols, and communicating the device command to the external device according to the selected protocol.