Remote Control Device Discovery via Randomized Response Intervals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Universal remote controls face challenges in identifying controllable electronic devices due to collisions from simultaneous responses, as they can only process one response at a time, leading to ignored responses.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a collision avoidance mechanism that determines a random response interval for each electronic device to delay its response, preventing simultaneous receipt of multiple responses at the remote control, allowing for the processing of all responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a polling mechanism is used to identify controllable electronic devices, then automatic configuration is enabled, but response collisions occur when multiple devices respond simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having electronic devices determine a random response interval before actually sending their response. This pre-planned delay ensures that responses are staggered in time, preventing collisions at the remote control receiver while maintaining the automatic configuration capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electronic devices respond to a query simultaneously, then all devices can be identified, but the remote control can only process one response at a time causing other responses to be ignored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by introducing time intervals between response transmissions. Each device waits for a randomly determined period before responding, creating a periodic rather than simultaneous transmission pattern. This ensures the remote control receives and processes all device responses without information loss.
3Reliability
If a random response interval is implemented, then response collisions are reduced, but response time variability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the response time parameter to be random rather than fixed. This change in the time parameter distribution reduces collisions while accepting increased variability. The random interval is determined based on device characteristics, optimizing the balance between collision avoidance and response efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and products self-identify an electronic device to a remote control. The remote control queries the electronic device, and the electronic device sends a response. A collision avoidance mechanism allows difference devices to respond to the remote control.