Dynamic Polling Schedule for Remote Control Battery Life

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional remote control devices face challenges in conserving battery life due to the need for continuous power to maintain connections with multimedia devices, leading to finite battery energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system that generates a polling schedule based on the predicted active or idle mode of the multimedia device using a Bayesian network, allowing the remote control to alternate between low-power standby and high-power awake modes, adjusting polling intervals based on usage probability and battery level.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the remote control continuously polls the multimedia device to maintain connection, then the connection reliability is improved, but the battery consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidbattery consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The polling interval is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system adjusts the polling frequency based on the predicted usage state of the multimedia device, transitioning between different polling strategies to balance connection reliability and power consumption in real-time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses usage data and Bayesian prediction to create feedback loops that continuously refine polling decisions. The polling strategy is adjusted based on feedback from predicted usage patterns, allowing the system to maintain reliability when needed while conserving power when the device is likely idle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Duration of action of moving object

If the remote control reduces polling frequency to conserve battery, then the battery life is extended, but the connection responsiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifeVSAvoidconnection responsiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The polling interval dynamically adapts based on predicted usage. When the multimedia device is predicted to be in active mode, the polling frequency increases to maintain responsiveness. When idle mode is predicted, the frequency decreases to extend battery life, creating a dynamic balance between these competing requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary prediction of usage patterns using Bayesian networks before adjusting polling frequency. This allows the system to proactively optimize polling intervals based on anticipated device activity, preventing both unnecessary power consumption and potential responsiveness delays

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If the remote control uses fixed polling intervals, then the system simplicity is maintained, but the energy efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidenergy waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The polling interval parameter is changed from a fixed value to a dynamically adjusted value based on usage predictions. The system modifies this key parameter in response to changing conditions, allowing energy-efficient operation without requiring complete system redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The remote control system autonomously adjusts its own polling behavior based on usage data and predictions. The device self-optimizes its operation without requiring external intervention or complex user configuration, balancing simplicity with energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3259925B1Profile driven communication polling for remote control
Publication Date: 2019.08.28 ROKU INC
  • EP3259925B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3259925B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3259925B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

System, method and computer program product for determining a polling schedule for a remote control, are described. A multimedia device collects usage data that identifies when the multimedia device is in use. The probability that the multimedia device is in use for a particular time is determined based on the usage data. A polling schedule is generated based on the usage probability such that the periods in the polling schedule vary according to the usage probability to minimize energy consumption. The polling schedule is then transmitted to the remote control where the remote control polls the multimedia device according to the polling schedule.