Remote Control Latency Reduction via Direct Server Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite television systems experience delays in responding to user input commands due to the need to communicate all remote control commands through client devices, which can lead to inefficiencies in generating responses from the server.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that register an input device with both the client and server devices, allowing the server to receive control signals directly from the input device and respond accordingly, thereby bypassing the client device and reducing latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If all remote control commands are communicated through the client device to the server, then the system architecture is simplified and easier to implement, but the response time increases due to additional communication hops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the command handling functionality between client device and server device. The client device handles registration and association management, while the server device handles direct command reception and content control. This segmentation allows the system to maintain architectural simplicity while enabling direct server-to-remote control communication for time-sensitive operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an association data structure as an intermediary that links the remote control device to both the client device and server device. This association enables the server to directly receive and process commands from registered remote controls without requiring client device mediation, thus reducing response time while maintaining system organization.
2Speed
If the server device receives commands directly from the input device, then the response speed improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional registration and association management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The association data structure serves multiple functions: it registers the remote control device with the client, links the remote control to the server, and manages the relationships between multiple devices. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate management mechanisms and minimizes overall system complexity despite enabling direct server communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary registration and association establishment before direct command communication begins. By pre-configuring the relationships between remote control, client device, and server device, the system avoids complex runtime negotiations and enables straightforward direct communication without increasing operational complexity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple control signals are designated for different devices, then the control precision improves, but the communication protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different control signal designations to different devices based on their specific functions and capabilities. The client device receives signals related to content selection and playback control, while the server device receives signals related to content delivery and system management. This localized assignment of control functions improves precision while keeping the protocol manageable through clear functional separation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method includes an input device, a client device registering an input device to form an association and a server device registering the input device and registering the association with the server device. The input device broadcasts a control signal to the client device and the server device. The server device receiving the control signal directly from the input device. The server device communicates a response signal to the client device in response to the receiving the control signal.