Remote Control Macro Offloading to Receiver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote control devices face resource constraints in recording, storing, and executing user-defined macros due to finite memory and processing resources, limiting the number of macros that can be managed and utilized.
Innovation Solution
A receiver interacts with a remote control device to assist in creating, storing, and executing user-defined macros, distributing the burden and freeing resources on the remote control device, allowing for the creation and execution of macros beyond its capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the remote control device stores and executes macros locally, then it maintains operational independence and fast execution, but its finite memory and processing resources are quickly exhausted, limiting the number of macros that can be managed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the macro storage and management functionality from the remote control device and places it in the receiver. The receiver now holds the macro database and handles macro interpretation, while the remote control device only stores macro triggers (button mappings). This extraction resolves the resource constraint by moving the heavy lifting to a device with sufficient capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication interface between the remote control device and receiver as an intermediary layer. When a macro is triggered, the remote control device sends a request to the receiver, which then executes the macro and returns the result. This intermediary approach allows the remote control device to access unlimited macros without storing them locally.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the receiver stores all macros centrally, then the remote control device can access unlimited macros, but the remote control device must continuously communicate with the receiver, increasing communication overhead and latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the remote control device pre-fetch macro data from the receiver before it is actually needed. When the user navigates through menus or selects functions, the system anticipates potential macro triggers and loads the corresponding macro definitions into the remote control device's temporary memory in advance. This reduces communication latency when macros are executed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing the remote control device to store frequently accessed macros locally in its temporary memory, while less frequently used macros remain in the receiver's central storage. The system dynamically adjusts which macros are cached locally based on usage patterns, optimizing the balance between communication overhead and execution speed.
3Ease of operation
If the remote control device has simplified functionality for macro triggering, then it becomes easier to use, but it loses the ability to execute complex macro sequences without receiver assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the macro triggering functionality (simplified on remote control device) with macro execution functionality (complex processing on receiver) into a unified macro system. The remote control device handles user input and sends trigger requests, while the receiver handles macro interpretation and coordination of entertainment system components. This division of labor allows both ease of operation and complex execution capability to coexist.
Data Source
AI summary
A receiver interacts with a remote control to assist with one or more user-defined macros. In a first embodiment, the receiver may execute a macro recording program to record user input and create a macro based at least partially thereon. The receiver may associate the macro with a remote control selection element or a menu element of a menu operable to be displayed by the receiver on a display. The receiver may also transmit the macro to a storage medium. Subsequently, the user may trigger execution of the macro by the remote control or the receiver. In executing the macro, the remote control or the receiver may transmit instructions to entertainment system components or may signal the other to do so. In a second embodiment, the remote control may record the macro transmit it to the receiver for storage.