Universal Remote Macro Setup Using Original Key Layouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for configuring universal remote controls are not user-friendly, particularly when creating macro command sequences, as they often require complex data entry methods rather than intuitive interfaces.
Innovation Solution
An interactive macro configuration application that uses images of original equipment remote controls to allow users to easily create macro command sequences by selecting commands from familiar key layouts, which can be resident on a personal computer, set-top box, or the remote control itself.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If complex data entry methods are used for configuring macro command sequences, then configuration precision can be ensured, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual copies of the original remote control layouts displayed on the screen. Users interact with these visual representations rather than entering data manually, which maintains configuration accuracy while dramatically improving ease of operation. The visual copies preserve the exact key arrangements and layouts of the source remote controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual data entry operations with visual selection operations. Instead of requiring users to manually input command codes and sequence data, the system allows users to visually select commands by pointing at the displayed remote control images, substituting mechanical data entry with visual interaction.
2Ease of operation
If visual images of remote controls are used for configuration, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a universal configuration method that works across different remote control types and devices. The visual interface approach can accommodate various remote control layouts and command structures without requiring device-specific configuration procedures, making the system universally applicable while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically retrieves and displays the appropriate remote control images and command structures based on the selected device type. The configuration process is self-service in that the system provides the visual interface and handles the complexity of command mapping automatically, requiring only simple user selection input.
Data Source
AI summary
A system displays a representation of an original equipment remote control device for a target device to be controlled using a macro button of a configurable controlling device. The displayed representation of the original equipment remote control device includes representations of buttons that would be used on the original equipment remote control device to control controllable functions of the target device. The system accepts input by which one or more of the displayed representations of buttons are selected. The macro button is then configured whereby an activation of the macro button will cause a transmission of commands from the configurable controlling device to control those controllable functions of the target devices that correspond to the one or more of the displayed representations of buttons that were selected.