IR Control Code Database Establishment in User Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote control systems face limitations in controlling various home appliances due to the need for a pre-established and updated IR control code database, which is not flexible enough to accommodate new devices or manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for establishing and setting an IR control code database in a user terminal, allowing for the control of various home appliances by selecting product type and manufacturer information, searching for corresponding IR codes, and transmitting these codes to the user terminal for storage and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an IR control code database is pre-established in the remote control apparatus, then control reliability is improved, but device complexity and update difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the IR control code database from the remote control apparatus and relocates it to a server system. The remote control apparatus retains only the database management module that can request, receive, and manage database updates locally, while the actual database storage and maintenance are performed externally on the server, reducing the complexity of the remote control device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the remote control apparatus and the IR control code database. The server acts as a mediator that stores the database, processes update requests, and transmits updated databases to the remote control apparatus, simplifying the architecture of the remote control device while ensuring reliable access to control codes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the remote control apparatus stores the latest IR database, then control versatility is improved, but storage space requirements and update frequency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the server system universal by enabling it to serve multiple remote control apparatuses simultaneously. The single centralized database on the server can be accessed and updated to support various types of peripheral devices from different manufacturers, allowing the system to achieve high control versatility without each remote control device needing to store complete databases independently.
3Measurement precision
If product type and manufacturer information is collected and transmitted, then database matching accuracy is improved, but information processing time worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the database on the server with organized product type and manufacturer information structures. When a user wants to control a device, the system can quickly search and match the required IR control codes based on pre-categorized device information, reducing the time needed for device identification and setup compared to searching through unorganized databases.
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 flexible and efficient remote control of a wide range of home appliances using a user terminal, allowing for easy updates and additions of new devices, thereby enhancing user convenience and expanding the control capabilities of the terminal.
Implementation Method 1
a remote control controls a set-top box or a peripheral device through an IR signal, and an IR blaster means an infrared transmitter for controlling devices
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for establishing an infrared (IR) control code database in a user terminal so as to control various peripheral devices remotely by using the user terminal. An apparatus includes a first interface connected to a first device to perform communication for performing a setting process for controlling a second device, a second interface connected to the second device to perform communication for controlling operation of the second device, and a controller configured to perform control such that when the first device outputs setting screen information for selecting product type and manufacturer information of the second device, the product type and manufacturer information selected by the user is received and transmitted to the first device through the first interface and a control code set for controlling the second device is received from the first device through the first interface to establish an IR control code database in the storage.