Universal Remote Control Code Set Determination via Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Universal Remote Controls (URCs) face inefficiencies in controlling appliances due to sequential code sending, which results in slower reactions and battery waste, and existing configuration methods are cumbersome, especially for users like children and elderly individuals who cannot follow complex instructions.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining the correct code set by sending fake commands during normal operation and analyzing user reactions, allowing the remote control to automatically identify the appropriate code set without requiring users to manually configure it, thereby improving power efficiency and user-friendliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If codes are sent sequentially from predefined subsets, then all codes are guaranteed to be sent, but the user has to wait longer and battery is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system sends a test code and monitors whether the appliance responds by executing the corresponding action. Based on this feedback, the system determines whether the code set is correct and continues or stops sending codes. This feedback mechanism allows the system to stop sending codes early when the correct set is found, reducing waiting time while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of always sending all codes in a predefined subset, the system sends only as many codes as necessary to achieve the desired result. When the correct code set is identified through feedback, further code sending is stopped, avoiding unnecessary delays and battery consumption while still ensuring reliable code delivery.
2Reliability
If sequential code sending is used, then all codes are sent to ensure appliance response, but battery life is reduced due to sending more codes than needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors appliance response to each sent code and uses this feedback to determine whether to continue sending codes. When the appliance correctly responds to a code, the system stops sending further codes, thereby conserving battery energy while still guaranteeing reliable appliance response.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs only the necessary portion of code sending required to achieve appliance response. By stopping code transmission once the correct code is sent and acknowledged, the system avoids excessive battery consumption while maintaining reliable control functionality.
3Reliability
If user configuration is required to select code set, then correct code set can be selected, but users like children and elderly cannot follow complex instructions
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control automatically determines the correct code set for the appliance without requiring user configuration or input. The system performs self-testing by sending codes and monitoring appliance responses, then automatically configures itself to use the correct code set, making it accessible to all users regardless of their ability to follow instructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic code set determination and configuration before the user needs to use the remote control. By pre-configuring the correct code set through automated testing and feedback, the system eliminates the need for users to manually configure settings, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining code set selection accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining the right code set to be used for controlling an appliance includes the remote control sends one or more commands using the corresponding code of at least one of the multiple code sets to the appliance. The code set to be used for controlling this appliance is determined based on at least a command sent to the appliance by a user of the remote control, in reaction to the sending of the one or more commands by the remote control.