Remote Control Microphone Audio Pairing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing A/V systems require complex pairing processes to prevent accidental control by remote controls from other rooms, limiting flexibility in quickly switching control between remote controls without reprogramming.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a microphone in the remote control to convert audio signals from the A/V system into PCM signals, allowing the remote control to match with the A/V system based on audio data, enabling voice command control and temporary pairing for seamless switching between remote controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a remote control is paired to uniquely control an A/V system using code recognition, then the A/V system can be protected from accidental control by remote controls from other rooms, but only one remote control can control that particular A/V system and complex programming is required to switch control to a different remote control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electronic code-based pairing system with an acoustic field-based identification system. The microphone detects audio signals emitted by the A/V system, and the processor compares these signals to identify the system. This substitution eliminates the need for complex code programming while enabling multiple remote controls to control the same A/V system, as each remote can independently detect and identify the system through audio signals.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a remote control uses code-based pairing to ensure unique control, then interference from other devices is eliminated, but the pairing process becomes complex and time-consuming when switching between remote controls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service pairing mechanism where the remote control automatically identifies and pairs with the A/V system by detecting its audio signals. The processor compares the detected audio signature with stored references to establish control without user intervention. This eliminates the need for manual code programming and reduces pairing time to seconds, while still preventing interference from other devices through acoustic signal verification.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple remote controls are allowed to control the same A/V system, then flexibility and convenience are improved, but accidental control from remote controls in other rooms may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback through audio signal detection and verification. The microphone continuously monitors for audio signals emitted by the A/V system, and the processor verifies the detected signal against the system's unique acoustic signature before establishing control. This feedback mechanism ensures that only remote controls in the immediate vicinity (where the audio signal is detectable) can control the system, preventing accidental control from distant locations while allowing multiple remotes to control the same system locally.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables convenient and quick switching of remote control functionality without complex pairing, allowing multiple remote controls to control the same A/V system while ensuring accurate matching and preventing interference from other devices.
Implementation Method 1
The microphone inside the remote control picks up the sound coming from the A/V program currently being viewed and converts this sound to a pulse-code modulation (PCM) signal.
Data Source
AI summary
According to the principles as disclosed herein, a remote control contains a microphone. The microphone inside the remote control picks up the audio content of all surrounding sound in the room in which is it located. Specifically, if a program is being presented for viewing and listening on a particular A/V system, a remote control with a microphone will hear the program which is being presented at the same time that the system is sending the signal to its own speakers. The A/V system then receives a signal from the remote control providing the audio signal that that remote control has received. If the audio signal which the remote control has received matches the audio signal which the A/V system output to its speakers to broadcast into the room, then the A/V system will switch to be able to receive input from that particular remote control.