Automatic Remote Control Configuration via Bi-directional Link
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring remote control devices to interact with multiple components in a home entertainment system is complex and inconvenient, requiring users to enter complex keystrokes based on incomplete codes provided in manuals.
Innovation Solution
Automatically configuring a remote control device by determining the identity and type of components through data communication, transmitting the appropriate remote control codes via a bi-directional link, such as ZigBee, between the television receiver and the remote control device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual configuration method is used, then users can configure remote control devices, but the process becomes complex and inconvenient requiring entry of complex keystrokes based on incomplete codes
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic configuration where the remote control device and television receiver autonomously exchange identification signals and retrieve appropriate codes without user intervention. The microprocessor automatically matches component types with corresponding remote control codes, eliminating the need for users to manually enter complex keystrokes or refer to incomplete manuals.
Solution Approach 2:
A code database stored in the television receiver acts as an intermediary between the remote control device and the component library. The database contains pre-stored remote control codes for various component types, allowing the system to automatically retrieve and transmit the correct code without requiring users to manually search or input information from external sources.
2Extent of automation
If automatic configuration is implemented, then user convenience is enhanced, but bi-directional communication infrastructure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The television receiver's existing communication interface is extended to serve dual purposes: traditional one-way remote control signal reception and new bi-directional identification signal exchange. The microprocessor and code database are integrated into the existing receiver architecture, allowing automatic configuration functionality to be added without requiring completely separate communication hardware.
3Measurement precision
If component identification is performed, then accurate code matching is achieved, but data communication channel is required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of physically inspecting or manually identifying component types, the system uses electronic copying of identification information through data communication channels. The component's identification signal is electronically transmitted and stored in the code database, allowing accurate matching of component types with corresponding remote control codes without physical intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote control device establishes a bi-directional communication with a television receiver and uploads a set of remote control codes associated with a target component selected by the user. One method includes storing, within a television receiver, a set of remote control codes associated with a corresponding set of component types; presenting a component-selection user interface; receiving a target component type selected from the set of component types presented by the component-selection user interface; determining, from the set of remote control codes, a target remote control code associated with the target component type; and transmitting the target remote control code to the remote control device.