Remote Control Auto-Configuration via Device Discovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

In systems with multiple electronic devices from different manufacturers, the complexity of using multiple remote controls is exacerbated by unintuitive and difficult configuration processes for a single remote control to manage all devices.

Innovation Solution

A method where a first electronic device connected to multiple devices automatically configures a remote control by gathering information from the devices, additional remote controls, or user input, enabling intuitive control of multiple devices using a single remote control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single remote control is used to control multiple devices from different manufacturers, then the number of remote controls needed is reduced, but the configuration process becomes complex and unintuitive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control compatibilityVSAvoidconfiguration process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic configuration where the remote control and electronic devices self-identify and self-configure through automated device discovery and pairing protocols, eliminating the need for manual configuration steps and making the process intuitive for users

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the remote control receives information about available devices, user preferences, and device capabilities, then automatically adjusts its configuration based on this feedback to provide seamless multi-device control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If manual configuration methods are used for each device, then configuration precision can be maintained, but the time and cognitive burden on users increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary device discovery, capability assessment, and compatibility verification automatically before the user needs to configure anything, preparing all necessary configuration data in advance so that users can simply confirm pre-configured settings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates and utilizes device profiles that copy and store configuration information, device capabilities, and control mappings, allowing the remote control to recall and apply appropriate configurations automatically based on the target device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS11107345B1Automatically configuring a remote control for a device
Publication Date: 2021.08.31 APPLE INC
  • US11107345B1 patent drawing
  • US11107345B1 patent drawing
  • US11107345B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Intuitive methods of automatically configuring a remote control for multiple electronic devices are disclosed. The remote control can be automatically configured with the help of a first electronic device that is connected to one or more additional electronic devices. The first electronic device aids in the configuration of the remote control by gathering information about the one or more additional electronic devices and configuring the remote control in accordance. The information about the one or more additional electronic devices may be gathered from the devices themselves, from additional remote controls associated with the devices, and/or from a user, among other possibilities.