Universal Remote Signal Blocking for Home Theater Audio Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern home theatre systems are cluttered and complex due to multiple remote controls, and the integration of additional speakers with integrated TV speakers can result in poor audio quality from uncontrolled sound output combinations.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a first device to receive and transmit wireless signals to prevent certain infrared signals from controlling a second device, allowing for automatic lowering of integrated speaker output and controlling supplemental speaker systems to maintain consistent audio performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate remote controls are used for different components, then each component can be controlled independently, but the system becomes cluttered and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single remote control to perform multiple functions across different components. The universal remote receives infrared signals and can route them to different devices (TV, audio system, speakers) based on the signal type and system state, eliminating the need for separate remote controls for each component while maintaining independent control capability.
2Reliability
If additional speakers are added to the home theatre system, then audio quality is improved, but frequency response degradation occurs due to uncontrolled combination of sound output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the audio system continuously monitor the operational state of both integrated and additional speakers. When additional speakers are detected as active, the system automatically adjusts the volume level of integrated speakers through feedback control, preventing frequency response degradation and ensuring optimal audio performance from the additional speaker system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the speaker volume control adaptive rather than static. The system dynamically adjusts the volume of integrated speakers based on real-time detection of additional speaker usage, transitioning between different volume states to maintain optimal frequency response while supporting both integrated and additional speaker systems.
3Device complexity
If a universal remote control is programmed to control all functions, then clutter and confusion are reduced, but the programming task becomes tedious and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the remote control system to automatically identify and route infrared signals to the appropriate device without manual programming. The system detects the type of infrared signal received and autonomously determines which device should receive the signal based on current system state, eliminating the tedious manual programming process while maintaining universal control functionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Simplifies remote control management and improves audio quality by ensuring consistent sound output from both integrated and supplemental speakers, reducing user confusion and frequency response degradation.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of receivable wireless signals can be infrared signals
Implementation Method 2
The wireless signal can be an infrared signal
Data Source
AI summary
According to a first aspect, a method of controlling an electronic system includes the step of receiving by a first device a plurality of receivable wireless signals that are intended to control functions of a second device. The first device transmits a wireless signal that prevents a subset of the plurality of receivable wireless signals from controlling the second device.