IR Relay Device Protocol Verification and Selective Signal Relaying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional IR relay devices cannot verify IR transmissions, leading to incorrect signal relay and confusion in environments with multiple IR-controlled devices, as they lack the ability to programmatically detect signal errors and require manual verification, and they broadcast signals to all transmitters, causing unintended device responses.
Innovation Solution
A verify relay device that matches starting signals to a protocol, verifies the payload format of IR transmissions against supported protocols, and selectively relays only verified transmissions to the appropriate IR re-transmitters, using protocol-specific tables to ensure accurate control of IR-controlled devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If record and replay technique is used for IR device control, then simplicity and effectiveness are improved, but the ability to programmatically detect signal errors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by verifying IR signal payloads against known device profiles and protocols. The system receives IR signals, extracts payload information, compares it against stored device characteristics, and determines whether to relay or block the signal based on this verification feedback, thereby enabling programmatic error detection while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing device profiles, protocols, and valid payload formats in a database before IR signal transmission occurs. This pre-prepared reference information enables rapid verification of incoming signals without requiring complex real-time analysis, thus maintaining simplicity while improving reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If record and replay technique is used for each device and function, then device control capability is improved, but storage requirements and scalability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments IR control into protocol-specific components: header formats, payload structures, and device-specific parameters are separated and stored independently. This allows the system to handle multiple devices and functions by combining protocol knowledge with device-specific profiles, reducing redundant storage while maintaining comprehensive control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal verification framework that works across multiple IR protocols and device types. By storing protocol definitions and validation rules that can be applied universally, the system achieves scalability without requiring separate storage for each individual device-function combination, thus reducing overall storage requirements
3Area of stationary object
If IR relay device broadcasts signals to all transmitters, then signal relay coverage is improved, but unintended device responses and confusion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by verifying each incoming IR signal against the specific device profile it is intended for before relaying. The system examines payload content, device addresses, and protocol-specific identifiers to determine the exact target device, then relays the signal only to the appropriate transmitter oriented toward that device, preventing unintended responses while maintaining broad coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary verification layer between signal reception and transmission. The verification module acts as a mediator that intercepts incoming signals, validates them against device profiles, determines the correct target device, and then routes the signal appropriately. This intermediary process prevents confusion and unintended responses while maintaining comprehensive signal relay coverage
Data Source
AI summary
A format of an Infrared (IR) transmission from an IR remote is matched to a corresponding IR protocol format for a starting sequence associated with the transmission. Next, a format of a payload that follows the starting sequence in the transmission is matched to a payload format associated with the matched protocol format. Assuming both the starting sequence and the payload formats match, the transmission is relayed and/or replayed over an IR re-transmitter situated in proximity to an IR-enabled device associated with the IR remote, and the IR-enabled device processes a command represented in the payload of the transmission. When either the starting sequence fails to match a supported IR protocol or the payload format fails to match a given supported IR protocol, the transmission is ignored and discarded as unverified.