Portable Object Wireless Control for Reception Device Program Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current reception devices, such as TVs and radios, allow users to access favorite channels but not specific programs or types of shows, requiring manual scanning to find desired content.

Innovation Solution

A set of devices comprising a reception device and a portable object with an electronic module and wireless communication circuit, where the portable object can interact with the reception device to automatically or semi-automatically select a program or channel based on pre-programmed identifiers, using protocols like Bluetooth Smart or NFC, to scan and select the appropriate frequency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users manually scan channels to find desired programs, then they can access any channel or program, but it requires significant time and effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprogram selectionVSAvoidtime to find program
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The portable object is pre-programmed with identifiers for desired programs or channels. When the portable object approaches the reception device, these pre-stored identifiers are automatically used to select the program, eliminating the need for manual scanning and saving user time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A portable object (such as a key fob or remote with program identifiers) serves as an intermediary between the user and the reception device. The portable object contains pre-programmed channel or program identifiers that automatically transmit to the reception device, enabling quick program selection without manual channel scanning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the system automatically selects programs based on portable object identifiers, then program selection becomes faster and easier, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprogram selection speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The portable object acts as a simple intermediary containing only program identifiers, while the reception device handles the complex tasks of signal reception and program switching. This distributes complexity appropriately - the portable object remains simple and portable, while the reception device performs the automated selection based on received identifiers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The reception device automatically performs program selection based on identifiers received from the portable object without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by automatically tuning to the correct channel or program, increasing productivity while keeping the user interface simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple portable objects can control the reception device, then user convenience is improved, but conflict management becomes necessary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-user supportVSAvoidconflict management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reception device monitors which portable object is currently authorized to control program selection. When a new portable object approaches, the system provides feedback about the current control state and manages transitions appropriately, preventing conflicts while supporting multiple users and portable objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3130149B1System of connected apparatuses
Publication Date: 2021.10.27 THE SWATCH GRP RES & DEVELONMENT LTD
  • EP3130149B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3130149B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a set of apparatuses (1) comprising at least one receiving apparatus (2) and at least one portable object (3), said receiving apparatus comprising means (21) for receiving a multichannel signal which are capable of preserving a portion of the signal emitted on a particular channel enabling the reception of information in the form of a programme, conversion means (22) which are connected to propagation means (23) for broadcasting said information, and communication means (24), the set of apparatuses further comprising a portable object having an electronic module (31) for operating said portable object, the electronic module comprising at least one calculating unit (32) and one wireless communication circuit (33) capable of communicating with the communication means of the receiving apparatus, characterised in that each particular channel (ID_Y) and each programme is identified by at least one identifier (ID_X), the portable object being programmed with at least one specific identifier (ID_P) which is linked to a particular channel and/or at least one programme, and in that the portable object is capable of detecting the presence of at least one receiving apparatus belonging to said group of apparatuses (1) by means of the wireless communication circuit (33) and of controlling said at least one receiving apparatus in order to modify the particular channel and select a particular channel, either the programme being broadcast or the identifier (ID_Y) of which has at least one identifier (ID_X) that is identical to the programmed identifier (ID_P) in the portable object.