Display Device Universal Remote Control via Contextual Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional universal remote controls are inefficient and complex, requiring users to manually enter identifier codes or sample control signals, which is time-consuming and error-prone, and often result in limited compatibility and high manufacturing costs, making them less desirable for consumers.
Innovation Solution
A remote control system that utilizes a microprocessor and communication functions onboard a display device, such as a TV, to provide a user interface for controlling multiple devices, reducing complexity by offloading functionality and using contextual awareness to present relevant options, allowing for intuitive control of multiple devices with minimal hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional universal remote controls include multiple buttons for each possible command of each electronic device, then the remote control can control a wide variety of devices, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex processing logic from the remote control and relocates it to the display device. The remote control is reduced to a simple input device that only needs to transmit basic commands, while the display device's processor handles the complex task of determining which external device to control and what commands to send, thereby resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The display device acts as an intermediary between the user and external electronic devices. Instead of the remote control directly communicating with multiple external devices, the display device mediates the communication by receiving simple user input, processing it to determine the target device and appropriate commands, then sending the processed control signals to the external devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional universal remote controls require manual entry of identifier codes or sampling of control signals for programming, then the remote control can be configured to control specific devices, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to time-consuming and difficult programming processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service configuration where the display device automatically detects and identifies external electronic devices through network communication, and automatically determines the appropriate control commands. The user simply needs to select from presented options on the display, eliminating the need for manual code entry or signal sampling
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the display device communicates with external devices to gather information about their capabilities and current state, then uses this feedback information to automatically configure the appropriate control commands and present relevant options to the user, making the programming process intuitive and easy
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional universal remote controls include extensive programming capabilities and multiple buttons for all possible commands, then the adaptability to control various devices is improved, but the ease of manufacture worsens due to increased manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the expensive microprocessor and extensive programming logic from the remote control and relocates them to the display device. The remote control can be manufactured with simple, inexpensive components that only need to transmit basic user input, while the display device handles all complex processing, thereby significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining full multi-device control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The display device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the user interface for selecting external devices and as the intelligent controller that processes commands and communicates with various external devices. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate complex universal remote control, reducing overall system cost while maintaining versatility
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods utilize a display to provide universal remote control functionality. A menu of options appears on a display of a display device. A user can navigate the various options to control devices that are separate from the display device. The menu may be dynamically configured according to the context in which the display device is being used. The menu may be activated using a remote control device or other device and the menu may include options for controlling one or more devices that are absent from the remote control device.