Relay Unit for Unified Control of Image Processing Apparatuses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing systems face challenges in controlling diverse devices due to different control codes and infrared signal limitations, such as distance and obstacles, making it difficult to uniformly control various image processing apparatuses like TVs, set-top boxes, and DVD players with a single remote controller.
Innovation Solution
An image processing system that includes a control terminal and a relay unit using a Zigbee communication protocol to convert control information into infrared codes, allowing for unified control of multiple image processing apparatuses, with the relay unit extracting key input information from remote controllers and transmitting it to the control terminal for setting user inputs and displaying menus for key binding settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single remote controller is used to control multiple image processing apparatuses, then control convenience is improved, but control reliability deteriorates due to different control codes and infrared signal limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay device as an intermediary between the remote controller and multiple image processing apparatuses. The relay device receives control signals from the remote controller, stores them, and retransmits them to the target apparatuses. This mediator resolves the contradiction by enabling universal control while maintaining reliability through signal storage and targeted transmission to each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay device is designed with multi-functionality to handle different control codes for various image processing apparatuses. It can store and manage control signals for TVs, set-top boxes, DVD players, and other devices, allowing a single remote controller to universally control multiple different apparatuses while maintaining device-specific control reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If infrared codes are transmitted from a remote controller, then control capability is achieved, but control effectiveness deteriorates when distance is far or obstacles exist
Solution Approach 1:
The relay device performs preliminary action by storing control signals from the remote controller before they are needed. When a user presses a button, the relay device retrieves the pre-stored control code for the target apparatus and transmits it, ensuring reliable transmission regardless of distance or obstacles between the remote controller and the image processing apparatus.
3Measurement precision
If different image processing apparatuses are controlled with device-specific remote controllers, then control precision is maintained, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple device-specific remote controllers into a single relay device. By combining control capabilities for TVs, set-top boxes, DVD players, and other image processing apparatuses into one unified device, it maintains precise control for each device type while reducing operational complexity from managing multiple remotes to using a single consolidated controller.
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided an image processing system and a control method thereof. The image processing system includes a control terminal which outputs control information for controlling an operation of at least one image processing apparatus according to a preset input through a wireless communication protocol, and a relay unit which converts the control information outputted from the control terminal into an infrared code and outputs the converted infrared code to the image processing apparatus, to control the operation of the image processing apparatus according to the control information.