Handheld Controller for Media Data Routing Between Source and Sink Devices

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote control devices do not allow for effective interoperability between multiple electronic devices, limiting the ability to route media data and control media equipment seamlessly across different devices.

Innovation Solution

A handheld controller system that uses select and paste signals to transfer media data between source and sink devices, allowing intuitive point-and-click operations for media routing and control, with logic to ensure compatibility and format conversion as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a programmable universal remote control is used to control multiple electronic devices, then the ability to control multiple devices is improved, but the interoperability between devices deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to control multiple devicesVSAvoidinteroperability between devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a control device as an intermediary between the remote control and multiple electronic devices. This control device receives control signals from the remote control and translates them into device-specific commands, enabling seamless interoperability between the universal remote and various electronic devices while maintaining the ability to control multiple devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If each electronic device has its own remote control, then the control precision for each device is improved, but the device complexity and number of remote controls deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precision for each deviceVSAvoidnumber of remote controls

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal remote control that can control multiple electronic devices through a control device intermediary. The universal remote maintains device-specific control precision by translating generic control signals into device-specific commands, eliminating the need for multiple separate remote controls while preserving precise control capabilities for each device type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If media data is transferred between source and sink devices, then the media routing capability is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedia routing capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a control device as an intermediary that manages media data transfer between source and sink devices. This control device handles the complexity of media routing, format conversion, and device coordination, allowing the system to achieve advanced media routing capabilities while the control device absorbs the system complexity rather than distributing it across multiple components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7624166B2System and methods for remote control of multiple display and devices

Publication Date: 2009.11.24 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

Methods and systems for transferring media between media source devices and media sink devices are disclosed. Remote control units are used to indicate the media sink and media source devices for transferring media data between these elements.