Remote Controller Key Illumination and Protocol Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in managing multiple electronic devices with remote controllers, as existing solutions do not efficiently indicate the transmission destination of control signals and often lead to high battery consumption due to multiple communication means.
Innovation Solution
A remote controller with multiple selection keys, transmission units, and light-emitting units that illuminate corresponding keys to indicate the selected device, along with an acknowledging unit to validate user input and control light emission, allowing efficient battery usage by utilizing different communication protocols based on device capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication means (infrared, Bluetooth, WLAN, ZigBee) are installed in the remote controller to support multiple electronic devices, then the adaptability and versatility of the remote controller is improved, but the battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote controller dynamically selects which communication protocol to use based on the selected electronic device type. The control signal transmission unit switches between infrared communication unit and wireless communication unit (Bluetooth, WLAN, ZigBee) depending on whether an infrared-receiving device or information processing device is selected, avoiding continuous operation of all communication modules and thereby reducing battery consumption while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The remote controller activates communication modules on-demand rather than continuously. The transmission destination determination unit and control signal transmission unit work together to activate only the required communication protocol when a specific device is selected, creating a periodic activation pattern that reduces overall energy consumption compared to having all modules continuously active
2Speed
If multiple communication protocols are continuously active to ensure immediate response, then the speed of control signal transmission is improved, but the battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between communication protocols based on real-time device selection rather than maintaining all protocols continuously active. When a user selects an electronic device type, the corresponding communication unit (infrared or wireless) is activated, providing immediate response speed when needed while conserving battery power during device switching or idle periods
3Ease of operation
If the remote controller provides clear indication of transmission destination through light-emitting units, then the ease of operation is improved, but the battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light-emitting units provide visual feedback only during specific operational moments - when a device type is selected or when control signals are being transmitted - rather than remaining continuously illuminated. This periodic activation provides necessary user feedback for ease of operation while minimizing energy consumption during idle periods or device switching
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
The remote controller effectively notifies users of the transmission destination and reduces battery consumption by optimizing communication protocol usage, enhancing user experience and device control management.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitting unit configured to illuminate the selection key
Data Source
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AI summary
When a key input acknowledging unit (76) acknowledges user input from a valid key enabled to control a first electronic device, a light-emission control unit (72) causes a first light-emitting unit (61) for a first selection key to emit light. On the other hand, when the key input acknowledging unit (76) acknowledges user input from a control key other than the valid key, the light-emission control unit (72) causes a second light-emitting unit (62) for a second selection key or a third light-emitting unit (63) for a third selection key to emit light.