Master-Slave Control via Control Image Copying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current remote control solutions for touch screen devices connected to larger screens, such as televisions, are limited as they require cursor simulation and are not adaptable to various applications, making them cumbersome and resource-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A method and device allowing tactile control of a slave device by a master device without transferring the user interface, using control images and coordinate transmission for direct tactile selections, which are interpreted by the slave device, enabling easier, faster, and more resource-efficient control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wireless mice or touchpad remote controls are used to control touch screen devices, then remote control capability is achieved, but the control requires cursor simulation which makes the interface cumbersome and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control ease of useVSAvoidcontrol interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent displays a control image that is a visual copy of the slave device's interface on the master device screen. This copy allows the user to directly touch the displayed interface elements without needing to understand cursor simulation or mapping, eliminating the complexity of traditional remote control interfaces while maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The control image serves as an intermediary between the master device and slave device. Instead of directly transmitting complex control signals or simulating cursors, the system displays a visual representation of the slave interface as an intermediary layer that the user interacts with naturally, simplifying the control process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If specialized control interfaces are developed for specific applications, then control functionality is achieved, but the solution cannot adapt to the infinite number of different applications that can run on the slave device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication adaptabilityVSAvoidremote control development complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides a universal control mechanism that works with any application running on the slave device. Instead of developing specialized interfaces for each application, the master device displays and controls through a visual copy of whatever interface the slave device is currently showing, making the control system universally applicable to all applications without requiring prior knowledge or customization.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The control interface is dynamic rather than static. The control image displayed on the master device changes automatically to reflect the current state of the slave device's interface. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to work with any application without requiring pre-programmed knowledge of specific applications, as the interface adapts in real-time to whatever is being displayed on the slave device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the slave device is placed near the television for wired connection, then connection stability is achieved, but the user cannot comfortably control the device from a distance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidremote control accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The master device acts as a mobile intermediary that the user can hold close while the slave device remains stationary near the television. The wireless communication between master and slave devices allows the user to interact with the slave device interface from a comfortable distance, while the slave device maintains its stable connection to the television.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical constraint of physically placing the slave device near the user with wireless communication. Instead of requiring the user to be physically close to the slave device for control, the system uses wireless data transmission to allow the user to hold the master device at a comfortable distance while maintaining full control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If traditional remote control methods are used, then control functionality is achieved, but significant computational resources are required for interface simulation and cursor management

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol efficiencyVSAvoidcomputational resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of simulating complex control interfaces and cursor behaviors, the system creates a visual copy of the slave device's actual interface and displays it on the master device. This approach eliminates the need for resource-intensive simulation and cursor management, as the system simply reproduces what the slave device is already displaying, significantly reducing computational requirements while improving control efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP2590150B1Method and device for controlling at least one apparatus with at least one other apparatus, system using such a device
Publication Date: 2015.10.28 ARCHOS
  • EP2590150B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2590150B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2590150B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6

AI summary

A device for controlling a slave device by a master device, comprising a touch user interface, the device being characterized in that it comprises: first means for transmitting a control image, generated by the slave device to the master device for display of the control image on the master device; second means for transmitting, from the master device to the slave device, a coordinate of a touch selection made on the master device with respect to the control image; and processing means for interpreting the touch selection at the level of the slave device as a function of the coordinate and the control image comprises an image generated by the slave device for display by the master device and in that the image is generated by a copy of a memory of the slave device.