Mobile Terminal Universal Remote Control via UI Mirroring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face inconvenience in controlling multiple electronic devices due to the need for maintaining distance with remote controllers and limited versatility in input methods, especially with the increasing number of devices in home networks without remote control capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A mobile terminal with a short-range wireless communication module, memory unit, and display unit that registers external devices, transmits UI information, and performs operations based on user inputs through a touch screen interface, enabling seamless control of electronic devices like TVs, computers, and audio players.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional remote controllers are used to control electronic devices, then the user can operate the devices, but the user must maintain suitable distances and constantly search for the remote controller, reducing convenience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of device controlVSAvoidtime to find remote controller
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile terminal serves as a universal remote control for multiple electronic devices (TV, audio device, computer) simultaneously. The control unit can identify and control different device types through their respective communication modules, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated remote controllers and reducing the time to find the appropriate remote.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile terminal acts as an intermediary device between the user and electronic devices. It receives user inputs through the touch screen, processes control commands, and transmits them to the target electronic device via appropriate communication modules (short-range wireless or network communication), simplifying the control process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional remote controllers with buttons are used, then the control method is simple, but the input methods are limited and versatility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility of control input methodsVSAvoidcomplexity of control interface
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile terminal provides multiple input methods (touch screen gestures, keyboard input, mouse input) to control different types of electronic devices. The control unit adapts the interface based on the target device type, offering versatile control options while managing complexity through automated device identification.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The control interface dynamically adapts based on the identified electronic device type. The control unit adjusts the available control options and input methods according to the target device, providing appropriate versatility for each device while maintaining manageable complexity through context-aware interface adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple electronic devices are connected in a home network, then the system functionality increases, but the number of devices to control increases, making integrated control necessary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of controllable devicesVSAvoidcomplexity of control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile terminal serves as a centralized control hub for multiple electronic devices in the home network. It includes control functionality for TV, audio devices, computers, and other networked devices, allowing integrated control of the entire system through a single interface rather than requiring separate controllers for each device.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile terminal acts as an intermediary that manages communication between the user and multiple electronic devices. The control unit identifies the target device, selects the appropriate communication module (short-range wireless or network communication), and handles the control signal transmission, simplifying the complexity of controlling multiple devices through automated device management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3383011B1Mobile terminal and device control method for the same
Publication Date: 2021.03.03 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3383011B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3383011B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3383011B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

An electronic device comprises: a wireless communication unit configured to communicate with an external mobile apparatus; a memory; a display; and a controller. The controller is configured to: control the display to display first user interface (Ul) items, in response to a signal being received from the external mobile apparatus, control the wireless communication unit to transmit information on the first UI items to the external mobile apparatus such that the external mobile apparatus displays second UI items corresponding to the first UI items, and perform an operation corresponding to an UI item that is selected. A method of controlling the electronic device is also disclosed.