Infrared Appliance Control With Feedback Failure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for managing multiple apparatuses using infrared remote controllers often fail to recognize operation failures, leading to undesired states, and lack the ability to reliably control a wide range of apparatuses, including those not operable via networks.
Innovation Solution
An operating system and control system that integrate input receiving devices, information processing devices, and infrared output devices to analyze operation information, determine control instructions, and transmit appropriate signals via infrared patterns or network communications to control both network-operable and non-network-operable apparatuses, ensuring reliable and consistent operation across various apparatus models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single infrared remote controller is used to control multiple apparatuses, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because operation failures cannot be recognized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the controller receives operation result information from each apparatus to confirm whether the operation was successfully executed. This allows the system to detect operation failures and provide appropriate feedback to the user, resolving the reliability issue while maintaining ease of operation through a unified interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control system into multiple communication channels: infrared communication for first-type apparatuses and network communication for second-type apparatuses. Each channel has dedicated processing logic, allowing independent verification of operation results for each apparatus type, thereby improving reliability without complicating the user interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operation input methods are supported, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases making control difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal controller that can handle multiple operation input methods (infrared, network, voice) through a unified architecture. The control instruction determination unit automatically selects the appropriate communication method based on the target apparatus type, providing multi-functionality without requiring the user to understand the underlying complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the controller with operation information analyzing unit and control instruction determination unit) that mediates between various input methods and the target apparatuses. This intermediary handles the complexity of different communication protocols and apparatus types, allowing users to operate diverse devices through a simple unified interface.
3Ease of operation
If infrared communication is used for first-type apparatuses, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because operation failures cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller receives operation result information from first-type apparatuses to confirm successful operation execution. This allows detection of operation failures and provides appropriate feedback to the user, resolving the reliability issue while maintaining ease of operation through a unified interface.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable control of any apparatus, reduces operation failures, and simplifies system management by distinguishing between different types of apparatuses and their operational states, improving user convenience and system extensibility.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared output device... outputs an infrared signal corresponding to the first information to the apparatus to be operated
Data Source
AI summary
An operating system includes an air conditioner and an infrared output device. The air conditioner includes an indoor unit. The infrared output device is configured to receive first information on an instruction to a first-type apparatus other than the air conditioner and operable by an infrared signal and transmit an infrared signal corresponding to the first information to the first-type apparatus. The air conditioner further includes a management device configured to manage the first-type apparatus. The management device includes a command information receiving unit configured to receive second information on a command content, and a determination unit configured to determine whether there is a deviation between a behavior of the first-type apparatus and the command content, based on the behavior of the first-type apparatus and the second information.