Remote Input Device Discovery via Proximity Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for electronic devices to efficiently facilitate the location of remote input devices, reducing user interaction time and cognitive burden, especially for battery-operated devices where redundant inputs consume processor and battery power.

Innovation Solution

A first electronic device displays a remote-control user interface that includes a representation of a second electronic device and an option to find a remote input device associated with it, initiating a process to locate the device when certain criteria are met, such as proximity, using a determination of the device's presence within a threshold distance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If a user manually searches for a remote input device, then the device can be located, but user interaction time increases and cognitive burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interaction timeVSAvoiduser interaction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting and identifying remote input devices in proximity before the user needs to use them. The electronic device proactively scans for, detects presence of, and prepares to connect with remote input devices, eliminating the need for users to manually search or configure connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing remote input devices to automatically register and become discoverable without user intervention. The devices perform their own identification and connection setup, with the electronic device automatically detecting them through wireless communications and presenting them in the user interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If redundant input processes are used to locate remote devices, then device compatibility is maintained, but processor power and battery power are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidbattery power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and implements a standardized wireless communication protocol layer that handles device discovery and identification independently of specific device types. This extraction of the core detection function allows the system to work with various remote input devices without requiring redundant device-specific input processes, reducing computational overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic device implements a universal detection mechanism that can identify multiple types of remote input devices (remote controls, keyboards, mice) through a single standardized interface. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate detection processes for each device type, reducing processor power consumption while maintaining broad compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240406672A1User interfaces for finding remote input devices

Publication Date: 2024.12.05 APPLE INC

AI summary

Some embodiments described in this disclosure are directed to one or more electronic devices that provide for locating a findable item that is associated with a respective electronic device, different from the one or more electronic devices. In some embodiments, the one or more electronic devices display user interfaces that present information for facilitating finding of a remote input device on an electronic device.