Smartphone Remote Control for HDMI TV Media Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
End-users face difficulties in connecting their TV sets to the Internet to view media content directly, as many TVs lack Wi-Fi adapters, and existing solutions require a computer with an HDMI port for Internet media transmission.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a backend server, a remote control with Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity, and an HDMI-equipped apparatus to stream media content from the Internet to a TV set, allowing indirect control through a smartphone or tablet, using a Wi-Fi adapter or dongle for connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a TV set does not have a Wi-Fi adapter, then it cannot directly connect to the Internet to view media content, but adding a Wi-Fi adapter increases device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote control device as an intermediary that has Wi-Fi connectivity but does not directly control the TV. Instead, it communicates with a backend system that streams media content to the TV through the existing HDMI interface. This allows the TV to access Internet media without having Wi-Fi capabilities, resolving the contradiction by using the remote control as a mediator with connectivity rather than modifying the TV itself
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control device serves multiple functions: it acts as a remote control for the TV, a Wi-Fi client for Internet access, and a media player that can stream content to the TV. This multi-functionality allows the system to provide Internet media viewing capability without requiring the TV to have Wi-Fi adapter, thereby improving adaptability without increasing TV complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If a computer with HDMI port is used to view Internet media on TV, then media content can be displayed on TV, but the setup process becomes complex and difficult for end-users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complexity of Internet connectivity and media streaming from the TV set and places it in the remote control device. The remote control handles all Wi-Fi connections, authentication, and content acquisition, while the TV only needs to receive the signal through its existing HDMI interface. This extraction simplifies the user experience by eliminating the need for users to configure network settings or connect computers to the TV
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the remote control automatically handles the complex tasks of connecting to the Internet, authenticating with content servers, and streaming media to the TV. Users simply select content through the remote control interface without needing to manually configure connections or understand the underlying technical setup, thereby improving ease of operation
3Ease of operation
If a remote control directly controls the apparatus, then control is simple and direct, but the remote control cannot access Internet media content without Wi-Fi adapter on the apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a backend system as an intermediary between the remote control and the TV. The remote control communicates with the backend system over Wi-Fi, which then streams the selected media content to the TV through the HDMI interface. This intermediary architecture allows the remote control to access Internet media without having Wi-Fi adapter on the TV, maintaining control simplicity while enabling media access capability
Data Source
AI summary
A system (10), a method and a utilization of a remote control adapted to display media content from the World Wide Web (12). This is accomplished by utilizing a smart-phone (18) as a remote control by an application program, and transmitting the media content through a backend system (110) utilizing WI-FI adapters to (20) transmit streaming media to for instance a HDMI TV (16).