Universal Remote Control with Dynamic Key Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of universal remote controls often face confusion due to the need to manually select device modes and navigate through cluttered key functions, leading to unintended actions when controlling multiple appliances.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic controlling device system that communicates with a master appliance, such as an A/V receiver, to automatically configure key functions based on the selected source device, using a two-way RF link and unidirectional IR links, allowing for efficient switching and clear visual feedback to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a universal remote control includes multiple device mode states and comprehensive key functions to support all required functions, then the controlling device can control multiple appliances with full functionality, but user confusion increases due to key clutter and the need to manually select device modes
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control dynamically changes its key function assignments based on the currently active appliance. When an appliance is activated, the remote automatically configures its keys to perform functions relevant to that specific appliance, transforming the static control interface into a dynamic one that adapts to the operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the appliance itself to provide feedback about its operational state to the remote control. The appliance transmits status information (such as whether it is on or off, or what mode it is in) back to the remote, which then uses this information to automatically configure its own key functions without user intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a universal remote control provides comprehensive key functions for all possible operations, then all required functions are supported, but the prevalence of key clutter causes user confusion even during normal viewing activities
Solution Approach 1:
Different keys on the remote control are assigned different functions depending on the active appliance context. The same physical key may perform different operations when different appliances are active, allowing the remote to provide comprehensive functionality without presenting all options simultaneously to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The key function assignments are dynamic rather than static. The remote control continuously monitors which appliance is active and automatically reconfigures its key mappings to match the current operational context, presenting only the relevant controls to the user at any given moment.
3Reliability
If users manually select device modes before issuing commands to appliances, then accurate command transmission is achieved, but users may forget or overlook this step resulting in unintended actions
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance provides feedback to the remote control about its current state and identity. This feedback mechanism allows the remote to automatically determine which appliance is active and configure its keys accordingly, eliminating the need for users to manually select device modes while maintaining command accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the device mode selection automatically based on information provided by the appliance itself. The remote control uses the appliance's own status information to configure its own control functions, making the system self-organizing and removing the cognitive burden from the user.
4Adaptability or versatility
If different user input elements initiate different command functions in different device modes, then comprehensive control capability is achieved, but user confusion increases when the same key performs different functions
Solution Approach 1:
The key functions are dynamic and context-dependent rather than static and fixed. The same physical key can perform different operations depending on which appliance is currently active, but this dynamic behavior is transparent to the user because the remote automatically matches the key functions to the current operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
Each key's function is determined by the local operational context (which appliance is active) rather than by a global device mode setting. This allows the remote to provide diverse command capabilities while maintaining local consistency between the active appliance and the available controls.
Data Source
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AI summary
A controlling device interacts dynamically with a plurality of appliances using state information known to a master appliance. The master appliance conveys to the controlling device the state information and the controlling device uses the state information to dynamically configure itself to command functional operations of one or more of the plurality of appliances. The master appliance also causes a graphical representation of the current configuration of the controlling device to be displayed on a display device that is associated with the master appliance.