Master Device Universal Remote Control Menu

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing remote control systems for intelligent televisions and peripheral devices are inefficient due to the need for multiple remote controllers, leading to operational inconvenience and errors when switching between devices.

Innovation Solution

A remote control method and master device that activate main and peripheral submenus, allowing a single remote control device to manage multiple peripheral devices by sending instructions to a master device, which then controls the peripherals, displaying results on its screen.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If each device has a dedicated remote controller, then device control reliability is improved, but device complexity and operational convenience deteriorate due to multiple remote controllers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice control reliabilityVSAvoidremote controller quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The master device (television) is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a media playback device and a universal remote controller for other peripheral devices. The television's processor and display screen enable it to generate and display control menus, and send control instructions to other devices, replacing the need for separate dedicated remote controllers for each device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The master device acts as an intermediary between the user and multiple peripheral devices. Instead of the user directly controlling each device with its own remote controller, the user interacts with the master device's display screen and interface, which then translates and forwards appropriate control signals to the target peripheral devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If each device has a dedicated remote controller, then device-specific control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates when switching between devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoiddevice switching convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The master device provides visual feedback on its display screen, showing the user which peripheral device is currently selected and what control options are available. This feedback mechanism helps the user understand the current state and make accurate selections, maintaining control precision while simplifying device switching through a unified interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control interface is moved from physical remote controllers to a visual display screen dimension. Users navigate through devices and control options by interacting with the graphical user interface on the television screen, adding a visual dimension to the control process that simplifies device switching while maintaining precision through clear visual cues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple remote controllers are used, then device control versatility is improved, but remote control efficiency deteriorates due to matching errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice control versatilityVSAvoidremote control efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The master device automatically manages the control process for peripheral devices. When the user selects a device through the display interface, the master device automatically generates and sends the appropriate control instructions without requiring the user to manually configure or match control signals, eliminating matching errors and improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The master device pre-establishes the control relationships and instruction formats for various peripheral devices. When a user wants to control a device, the master device already has the necessary control protocols and instruction sets prepared, allowing it to quickly and accurately send the correct commands without real-time configuration or matching by the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2905763B1Remote control method, remote control device and primary device
Publication Date: 2021.09.01 HUAWEI DEVICE CO LTD
  • EP2905763B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2905763B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2905763B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provide a remote control method, a remote control device and a master device, where the remote control method includes: receiving, by the master device, a main menu request instruction sent by the remote control device, and activating a main menu in the master device according to the main menu request instruction, where the main menu includes at least one submenu activation option, and one submenu activation option corresponds to one peripheral device connected to the master device and is used to activate a peripheral submenu corresponding to the corresponding peripheral device; receiving, by the master device, a first remote control instruction that is sent by the remote control device and is used to select the submenu activation option, and activating, according to the first remote control instruction, the peripheral submenu corresponding to the submenu activation option; and receiving, by the master device, a second remote control instruction that is sent by the remote control device and is used to select a control sub-option in the activated peripheral submenu, and performing, according to the second remote control instruction, control on the peripheral device corresponding to the activated peripheral submenu. In the technical solutions in the present invention, when a user uses a different device, efficiency of performing remote control on a corresponding device can be improved.