Remote Controller Signal Translation for Multi-Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote controllers for multi-device systems require complex infrared learning processes to control other devices, limiting their functionality and compatibility, especially when one remote controller fails or is lost, leading to inconvenience in controlling multiple devices like TV sets, set-top boxes, and DVD players.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that allow a first device to receive a control signal, determine a corresponding button value for itself, and transmit this value to a second device, enabling the second device to operate without the need for infrared learning, thereby simplifying the process of controlling multiple devices with a single remote controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a remote controller uses infrared learning function to control another device, then the remote controller can be replaced with another one, but the learning process becomes complicated and is limited to only several buttons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a first device as an intermediary between the remote controller and the second device. The first device receives the control signal from the remote controller, determines the button value, and then transmits the corresponding button value to the second device. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for complex infrared learning processes while enabling full button functionality across different devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables a single remote controller to universally control multiple different devices (first device and second device) without requiring device-specific learning processes. By using the first device as a mediator that handles the signal translation, the remote controller gains universal control capability across the multi-device system, not limited to just several buttons or specific device types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a remote controller is provided with full learning function for all buttons, then all buttons can be learned, but the device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent shifts the learning and signal processing functionality from the remote controller to the first device. The first device performs the button value determination and signal translation, while the remote controller simply transmits the control signal. This distribution of functionality reduces the cost requirements for the remote controller while maintaining full button learning capability through the first device's processing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The first device automatically determines the corresponding button value based on the control signal received from the remote controller, without requiring manual configuration or complex learning processes. The system self-adapts by having the first device autonomously map the remote controller's button presses to the appropriate commands for the second device, eliminating the need for expensive full-learning remote controllers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a remote controller learns to control another device through infrared learning, then control functionality is achieved, but the operation process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The first device acts as an intermediary that automatically handles the complex signal translation and button value mapping. The user simply presses buttons on the remote controller as usual, and the first device transparently processes the signal to control the second device. This eliminates the need for users to perform complicated learning operations while maintaining full cross-device control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic button value determination and signal routing without user intervention. The first device autonomously matches the remote controller's control signals with the appropriate commands for the second device, making the control process as simple as using the remote controller on the first device itself, while achieving cross-device control functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a method an device for transmitting a control signal in a multi-device system, where a first device determines a second device to be controlled by a remote controller of the first device to be connected with the first device; determines from a received signal a first value of the button for controlling the first device; determines a second value of the button, corresponding to the first value of the button, for controlling the second device; and transmits the second value of the button to the second device, so that the second device operates according to the received second value of the button, and with this technical solution, a multi-device system can be controlled by the remote controller of the single device without infrared learning by the first device to thereby simplify operations of the first device to control the other device.