Remote Key Mapping Control for Multi-Function Electronic Products

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic apparatuses require separate remote controllers and communication modules to support different key functions, leading to increased development and production costs, as well as management complexity due to the need for various configurations.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus with a communication module and main processor that can register and execute different functions based on software changes, allowing the same remote controller signal to perform various operations by modifying a table stored in the communication module, enabling different key functions to be mapped to specific operations such as turning on the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate remote controllers and communication modules are produced for different key functions, then different key operations can be supported, but development and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvekey function supportVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The communication module is designed to support multiple key functions through a single unified hardware platform. The module can be configured via software to recognize and respond to different key values (e.g., power key, home key) from the remote controller, eliminating the need for separate communication modules for each function. This multi-functionality approach reduces production costs while maintaining adaptability to various key operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters through software configuration rather than hardware modification. By modifying the key value recognition logic and function mapping in the communication module's software, different key functions can be supported without producing new hardware. This parameter-based configuration allows flexible adaptation to different product specifications while using the same physical communication module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate remote controllers and communication modules are produced for different key functions, then different key operations can be supported, but management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvekey function supportVSAvoidmanagement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single communication module handles multiple key functions through software configuration, reducing the variety of components that need to be managed. Instead of tracking and managing separate communication modules for power key, home key, and other functions, the unified module can be programmed to support all required functions, simplifying inventory management, assembly, and maintenance processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses software copies of key recognition logic rather than physical copies of hardware modules. The same communication module can be programmed with different key value mappings for different product specifications, effectively copying the functional behavior without duplicating the physical hardware. This reduces management complexity by eliminating the need to handle multiple hardware variants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If the electronic apparatus is set to turn on only by a specific key value, then the turning on function is reliable, but adaptability to different product specifications is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveturn on function reliabilityVSAvoidproduct specification adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains reliable turn-on functionality by ensuring that at least one key value is always mapped to the power on function through software configuration. When product specifications change and different key mappings are required, the software can be reconfigured to map appropriate keys to the turn-on function while maintaining the reliability of the power on operation. This allows the same hardware to adapt to different product specifications without compromising functional reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The key-to-function mapping is made dynamic through software configuration rather than being fixed in hardware. The communication module can dynamically adjust which key values trigger which functions based on product specifications and user needs. This dynamic configurability ensures that the turn-on function remains reliable (always accessible via at least one key) while adapting to different product specifications and remote controller configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3671685B1Electronic apparatus and controlling method thereof
Publication Date: 2021.05.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3671685B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3671685B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3671685B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

An electronic apparatus includes a communication module configured to wirelessly communicate with an external remote controller; a main memory; and a main processor, wherein the main processor is further configured to transmit a control signal for registering a key value corresponding to a first key from among keys included in the external remote controller as a selected function from among a plurality of functions capable of being performed by the electronic apparatus to the communication module, based on product information of the electronic apparatus stored in the main memory, and wherein the communication module is further configured to register the key value corresponding to the first key to the selected function based on the control signal, and control the main processor to perform the selected function based on a signal corresponding to the key value corresponding to the first key being received from the external remote controller.