Multimedia Client Server System RF Remote Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In-home wireless local area networks struggle to efficiently manage and control multimedia devices across a wide area due to the limitations of infrared line-of-sight remote control transmissions, which restrict device control and content distribution.
Innovation Solution
A multimedia client/server system that uses radio frequency communication links to transmit commands and multimedia content, allowing remote control devices to control multimedia sources from any location within the network, enabling independent access to various multimedia sources by multiple clients without the need for direct connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If infrared line-of-sight remote control transmissions are used, then remote control devices can operate with simple infrastructure, but the control range is limited to the same room and requires line-of-sight configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless communication network (WiFi, Bluetooth, or other wireless protocols) as an intermediary between the remote control device and the multimedia device. Instead of direct infrared line-of-sight transmission, the remote control signal is transmitted wirelessly through the network to reach the multimedia device, enabling control across wider areas without requiring line-of-sight configuration.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple multimedia devices are connected through a wireless local area network, then devices can be distributed across wider areas, but the system complexity increases due to network management and device coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal remote control device that can control multiple types of multimedia devices through the wireless network. The remote control device is programmed with multiple device profiles and can identify and communicate with different multimedia devices (televisions, audio systems, streaming devices) using standard wireless protocols, eliminating the need for separate control systems for each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the remote control device receives status information from multimedia devices through the wireless network. This feedback enables the remote control to adapt its commands based on device state, manage connection status, and coordinate control operations across multiple devices distributed throughout the network.
3Adaptability or versatility
If each computer or Internet device has its own modem for Internet access, then each device has independent connectivity, but the number of modems and hardware components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple modem functions into a single centralized modem that serves the entire wireless local area network. Instead of each computer or Internet device having its own modem, the single modem provides Internet access to all devices through the wireless network infrastructure, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining independent connectivity for each device.
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 flexible control of multimedia devices and content distribution across a wide area, allowing multiple clients to access different sources simultaneously while ensuring secure and reliable transmission of commands and content.
Implementation Method 1
The client module encodes the remote control signals into encoded control signals that are transmitted to the multimedia server module over the RF communication link
Data Source
AI summary
A client module includes a client transceiver module that receives and demodulates a link signal from a multimedia server module over the communications link to produce a received encoded signal, the link signal including a multimedia signal from a multimedia device. A decoder module decodes the received encoded signal into a decoded output signal that is formatted for the at least one client device. A remote receiver module receives remote control signals from a remote control device wherein the remote control signals are formatted for reception by the multimedia device. A remote control signal encoder module encodes the remote control signals into encoded control signals for transmission to the multimedia server module by the client transceiver module.