Mobile Device Controller for Remote Apparatus via Near Field Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack an efficient method for users to easily configure and control remote electronic devices with diverse settings, requiring complex interfaces and multiple device familiarity.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first mobile apparatus with a near field communication transceiver and user interface, enabling users to input information for controlling remote second apparatus, with data transmission and decoding to manage settings, and optionally using a secondary communication link for extended range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users directly control each remote device individually, then device control capability is maintained, but user interface complexity and operation difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the user and multiple remote devices. The mobile device provides a unified interface that abstracts away the complexity of controlling different remote devices, allowing users to configure and control multiple devices through a single consistent interface rather than needing to understand each device's individual control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves as a universal controller that can interact with multiple different types of remote devices. By implementing a standardized communication protocol and unified user interface, the mobile device enables users to control various remote devices (such as TVs, set-top boxes, audio equipment) through the same interface, eliminating the need for multiple device-specific interfaces.
2Productivity
If users need to familiarize themselves with multiple different devices, then device control capability is maintained, but time consumption and operational efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device creates a virtual representation or copy of the remote device interfaces and control mechanisms. Instead of requiring users to directly interact with and learn each physical remote device's interface, the mobile device replicates the essential control functions in a unified, consistent format that users interact with on their mobile device, significantly reducing the time needed to familiarize themselves with different devices.
3Reliability
If proximity-based communication is used for security, then security and device identification are improved, but communication range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs device identification and pairing through proximity-based communication (such as NFC) before establishing the actual control connection. This preliminary action ensures that only authorized devices can communicate, maintaining security. Once paired, the system can then establish longer-range communication channels for actual device control, combining the security benefits of proximity authentication with the extended range of other communication technologies.
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 users to easily configure and control multiple remote devices using a single interface, enhancing user experience and reducing complexity, while maintaining secure proximity-based communication.
Implementation Method 1
a near field communication transceiver configured to enable a near field communication link to be established with the second apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method of controlling an apparatus, the apparatus including: a near field communication transceiver configured to enable a near field communication link to be established with a remote apparatus; a user interface configured to enable a user to input information into the apparatus wherein the input information enables control of the remote apparatus and the user interface is also configured to provide an indication of how the input information may be used to control the remote apparatus; and a transmitter configured to send data dependent upon the input information to the remote apparatus to enable the input information to be used to control the remote apparatus.