Universal Remote Setup via Networked Appliance Widget

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Solution Overview

Problem

The process of setting up and configuring a universal remote control is often complex and frustrating for users, as it requires manual entry of appliance codes from user manuals, which can be lost or outdated, leading to a need for a simplified and user-friendly system.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing a networked appliance, such as a cable or satellite set-top box, or an Internet-enabled TV, to facilitate the setup of a universal remote control through interactive instructions and downloadable programming, allowing users to easily configure the remote control to command various appliances by selecting device types and brand codes, with visual feedback and automatic code testing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual entry of appliance codes from user manuals is used, then the universal remote control can be configured to command appliances, but the setup process becomes complex and frustrating for users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetup processVSAvoidconfiguration process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A networked appliance acts as an intermediary between the universal remote control and the target appliances. The networked appliance hosts a widget that communicates with the remote control, providing automated setup guidance and code transmission, thereby simplifying the user experience while maintaining configuration capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service configuration through automated code learning and transmission. The remote control automatically receives appliance codes from the widget on the networked appliance, eliminating the need for users to manually search and enter codes from printed manuals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If user manuals with setup codes are used, then appliance codes can be obtained, but the manuals may be lost or outdated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecode availabilityVSAvoidsetup codes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The networked appliance serves multiple functions: it acts as a setup guide, a code database, and a communication bridge. By hosting the widget that contains appliance code information, the system eliminates dependency on physical user manuals while maintaining reliable access to current and accurate codes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The physical user manual is replaced with a software-based widget hosted on the networked appliance. This digital solution allows for easy updates and ensures that the most current appliance codes are always available without the risks of loss, damage, or obsolescence associated with printed materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11682294B2System and method for widget-assisted setup of a universal remote control

Publication Date: 2023.06.20 UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A system and method for enabling set up of a controlling device capable of controlling a plurality of appliances provides an interactive instruction set and associated programming which is downloadable to a controllable appliance having an associated display, such as an Internet enabled television. The programming is accessible by the controllable appliance and is configured to appropriately display interactive instructions from the interactive instruction set to a user during a user initiated set up procedure for setting up the controlling device to communicate commands to another controllable device (e.g., a DVD, VCR, DVR, etc).