Universal Remote Control Programming via Signal Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Programming universal remote control devices to control multiple electronic devices is complex and time-consuming, often requiring manual entry of device information or codes, which can be daunting for non-technical users.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where a first electronic device receives command signals from a second remote control device, accesses a key code database to identify matching key code sets, and prompts the user to enter additional key entries to uniquely identify the device, allowing the first remote control device to be programmed with the appropriate key code set for controlling the second electronic device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual entry of device information or codes is used for programming universal remote control, then the remote can control multiple electronic devices, but the programming process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to control multiple electronic devicesVSAvoidprogramming process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows the remote control to program itself by automatically detecting the electronic device and retrieving the appropriate key code set without requiring manual user input. The remote control transmits test signals, receives responses from the electronic device, and autonomously completes the programming process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of looking up and entering codes with an automated electronic system. The microprocessor in the remote control automatically communicates with the electronic device, exchanges signals, and programmatically determines the correct key code set without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to control multiple electronic devicesVSAvoidprogramming time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system stores key code sets for multiple electronic devices in advance within the remote control's memory. During programming, the microprocessor automatically compares transmitted test signals against these pre-stored code sets, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual code lookup and entry during the actual programming moment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the time-consuming manual process of code entry with automated electronic signal exchange and programmatic code retrieval. The microprocessor rapidly transmits test signals, processes responses, and automatically inputs the correct key code set, dramatically reducing programming time compared to manual methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual entry of device information or codes is used for programming universal remote control, then the remote can control multiple electronic devices, but the process becomes too complicated for non-technical users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to control multiple electronic devicesVSAvoiduser-friendliness of programming

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables non-technical users to program the remote control without requiring them to understand complex code sets or device specifications. The remote control performs self-diagnosis and self-programming by automatically detecting the electronic device type and configuring itself with the appropriate key codes through simple user actions like pressing test buttons.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring the user to input device information into the remote control, the system inverts the process: the remote control automatically detects and identifies the electronic device by analyzing its responses to transmitted test signals, then self-configures with the appropriate control codes without user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS9948975B2Systems and methods for programming a remote control device

Publication Date: 2018.04.17 DISH TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A method for programming a first remote control device associated with a first electronic device that includes receiving, by the first electronic device, a first electronic command signal issued from a second remote control device. The first electronic command signal includes a key code indicative of a first key entry on the second remote control device. The first electronic device accesses a key code database, which stores a plurality of key code sets, and each of the plurality of key code sets has a plurality of key codes for controlling at least one electronic device. The first electronic device compares the received first key code to the key code database to identify matching key code sets including the first key code. The first electronic device analyzes the matching key code sets to identify a preferred next key entry, and prompts a user of the second remote control device to press a key on the second remote control device corresponding to the identified preferred next key entry.