Multi-Directional IR Blaster Coverage for Obstructed Media Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infrared (IR) control systems in media systems face limitations due to the requirement of a clear line of sight between IR transmitters and receivers, which can be obstructed, leading to incomplete IR coverage and inefficient device control.
Innovation Solution
A switching device with multiple IR blaster components oriented to project IR light in different directions, capable of detecting triggering events and determining actions for consumer electronic devices, and automatically selecting and calibrating IR codesets to ensure effective IR signal transmission and device control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single IR transmitter is used, then the device complexity is low, but the IR coverage is insufficient and cannot reach obstructed devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the IR transmission function into multiple independent IR blaster components (first IR blaster, second IR blaster, etc.), each oriented in different directions. This segmentation allows the system to cover multiple directions and reach devices that would be obstructed from a single transmission point, thereby expanding the overall IR coverage area while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial dimensionality by orienting multiple IR blasters in different directions (e.g., first blaster oriented in a first direction, second blaster oriented in a second direction). This multi-directional arrangement transforms the IR transmission from a single-point source into a distributed multi-directional system, enabling coverage of devices positioned at various angles and locations around the media player.
2Reliability
If multiple IR blaster components are used to expand coverage, then the IR coverage area increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects which IR blaster component to activate based on real-time conditions such as the location of the target device and potential obstructions. The media player can switch between first IR blaster, second IR blaster, or other components depending on which orientation provides the clearest path to the IR receiver, thereby improving transmission reliability while avoiding the need to permanently activate all possible blasters simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic detection and selection capabilities that enable the media player to autonomously determine the optimal IR blaster configuration. Through built-in sensors or feedback mechanisms, the system can detect the presence and position of devices, automatically select the appropriate blaster orientation, and adjust transmission parameters without requiring manual intervention, thus improving reliability while managing complexity through automation.
3Ease of operation
If manual IR codeset selection is used, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to manual configuration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the media player transmits test signals using different IR codesets and monitors the response from the target device. Based on whether the device responds correctly (e.g., changes state, acknowledges receipt), the system automatically determines which codeset is appropriate and configures itself accordingly. This feedback-driven approach eliminates manual codeset selection while keeping the implementation complexity manageable through iterative testing and automatic adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The media player performs automatic device control and codeset selection autonomously without requiring user intervention. The system independently detects target devices, tests various IR codesets, identifies the correct coding scheme through automated feedback analysis, and configures the IR transmission parameters accordingly. This self-service capability significantly improves ease of operation by eliminating manual setup steps while the complexity is contained within the automated control logic.
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
Enhances IR coverage and control by allowing IR signals to reach devices obstructed from direct line of sight, improving the reliability and flexibility of IR-based device control in media systems.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of infrared (IR) blaster components of the switching device are oriented to project IR light in different directions
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are described herein for providing infrared (IR) coverage in a media system, IR codeset selection, and/or calibration of IR blasters. In one aspect, a triggering event is detected and an action to be performed by a device is determined. It is determined that the device is controllable using IR signals. An IR command signal including instructions to perform the action is transmitted to the device. In another aspect, a codeset is selected. A determination of whether a signature signal associated with a device indicates a state corresponding to a command including an IR code of an IR codeset transmitted to the device is made. If so, the IR codeset is associated with the device. Otherwise, another command including an IR code of another IR codeset is transmitted. In another aspect, an IR blaster is calibrated based on whether a signature signal indicates a state corresponding to a transmitted command.