Universal Remote Control Location Signaling System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location-based systems for portable controlling devices lack precision in determining the specific location among multiple environments or zones, which hinders advanced location-based functions and efficient operation of appliances.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a wireless universal remote control and location signaling devices that use signal detection and comparison methods, including signal fingerprinting, to determine the controlling device's location and dynamically reconfigure command sets for controlling home appliances across multiple environments and zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple location-based systems (active badge, RF beacons) are used, then device complexity is reduced, but location determination precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the environment into multiple distinct locations, each equipped with unique signaling devices. Instead of using a single complex system, the patent divides the space into discrete zones (Location A, Location B, Location C) with identical signaling devices in each, allowing the controlling device to determine its location by identifying which signaling device responds to its inquiry signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of signal identification from simple presence detection to unique signaling device identification. Each signaling device has a unique identifier that the controlling device can detect and compare against stored location definitions, enabling precise location determination while maintaining simple signaling device hardware.
2Measurement precision
If multiple signaling devices are deployed across multiple environments, then location determination precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the signaling devices universal by using identical hardware and operational logic across all locations. Each signaling device performs the same function: receiving inquiry signals, comparing device identifiers, and sending response signals. This universality allows multiple devices to be deployed without increasing individual device complexity, as they all follow the same simple protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses copies of the same signaling device in multiple locations rather than deploying different complex systems. Each signaling device is a copy with the same identifier comparison logic, and the controlling device stores multiple copies of location definitions corresponding to each signaling device. This copying approach enables precise multi-location determination while keeping each signaling device simple and identical.
3Productivity
If location-based services require quick appliance operation, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to dynamic reconfiguration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple command sets and macro commands corresponding to different locations before the controlling device is used. When the device determines its location by identifying the signaling device, it can immediately recall or switch to the appropriate pre-configured command set without complex real-time analysis, enabling quick appliance operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controlling device performs self-service by automatically determining its location and selecting the appropriate command set based on the signaling device response. The device compares its identifier with stored location definitions, identifies its current location, and autonomously reconfigures its command sets without user intervention, enabling rapid appliance operation while keeping the user interface simple.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A controlling device such as a remote control has programming for transmitting a signal response to a plurality of control environments, each environment including a signaling device. Each signaling device in receipt of the signal request sends a signal response having a unique ID which is chosen to be characteristically attenuated by the surroundings of the environment. Because the controlling device can only be in one environment at a given time, and given the attenuation characteristics of the signal response from each signaling device, only one signal response will be received by the controlling device in each environment. Location definitions associated with the received unique ID may be used by programming in the controlling device to recall saved devices states, commands sets, macros, and even to dynamically generate commands based on the location information.