Multi-State Device Secure Remote Control via Identifying Code
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-state devices, such as smoke detectors, cannot be reliably and securely controlled remotely to switch between states without inadvertently affecting nearby devices, leading to potential safety issues and user frustration.
Innovation Solution
A multi-state device equipped with a communication port for receiving identifying codes from a remote control via a line-of-sight carrier, ensuring that the user designates the intended device and allowing secure remote control commands to change the device's state, using RF or infrared communication for secure and accurate device identification and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a remote control sends RF signals to switch off the alarm of a smoke detector, then the user can remotely control the device, but a smoke detector in a neighboring room may catch the signal and its alarm may be switched off, leading to security issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the remote control first receives an identifying code from the target device via line-of-sight carrier, converts it to RF identifying code, and sends it back to the device. The device then compares the received identifying code with its own to confirm proper identification before executing the control command. This feedback loop ensures that only the intended device responds to the control signal, preventing accidental activation of nearby devices while maintaining remote control functionality.
2Reliability
If the smoke detector is placed in the vicinity of the room ceiling for proper detection, then the detection function is optimized, but it becomes out of the user's reach to manually switch the alarm off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of manually reaching and pressing a physical switch on the ceiling-mounted device with an electronic/RF-based remote control system. The user can control the device from a distance using wireless communication, eliminating the need to physically access the high-mounted device while maintaining the optimal ceiling placement for detection functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the remote control sends commands without device identification, then the control operation is simple, but the user may not be aware that a different device's alarm is switched off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by requiring the identification exchange to occur before the control command is executed. The remote control receives the identifying code from the device, converts it to RF identifying code, and sends it back for verification. Only after this preliminary identification step is completed does the system proceed to execute the control command, ensuring the user controls the correct device before the action takes place.
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 secure and accurate remote control of specific multi-state devices, preventing unintended activation or deactivation of nearby devices, thus enhancing user convenience and safety by ensuring that only the intended device is modified.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter of an identifying code on a line-of-sight carrier
Implementation Method 2
a communication port configured to receive one or more of a stimulus or a change state command from a remote control
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a multi-state device (10) comprising a communication port (13) configured to receive a stimulus from a remote control (14), a transmitter (15) of an identifying code (16) on a line-of-sight carrier, a controller (17) configured to one or more of compare an identifying code received from the remote control (14) to the identifying code (16) of the multi-state device or make the multi-state device (10) switch from one state (11) to another state (12). The invention also concerns a method for controlling a multi-state device (10) using a remote control (14).