TV Remote Pairing via Optical Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in setting up multi-brand remote (MBR) controllers for wireless-connected peripheral devices, such as those using ZigBee RF4CE or Bluetooth, due to challenges in identifying and pairing these devices, especially when the TV remote controller lacks a display and users are at a distance from the peripheral devices.
Innovation Solution
An image display device equipped with a memory, wireless communicator, and processor that obtains peripheral device identification information, transmits search data, determines pairing data and control code information, and facilitates pairing by analyzing image signals or user input to establish control over connected devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pairing process for wireless communication is used to set MBR function, then the MBR control function can be established for wireless peripheral devices, but users face difficulty identifying the peripheral device to be connected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an image display device as an intermediary between the remote controller and the wireless peripheral device. The image display device receives identification information from the peripheral device via HDMI connection, displays it on its screen, and transmits the displayed image to the remote controller's camera. This intermediary system bridges the gap between devices that cannot directly communicate their identities wirelessly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/wired identification method with an optical system. Instead of requiring direct wireless communication or physical connection for device identification, the system uses the peripheral device's display screen to show identification information, which is then captured by the remote controller's camera and processed optically to extract the device identifier.
2Device complexity
If TV remote controller does not include display, then the remote controller design remains simple, but users cannot identify peripheral devices at long distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the display function from the remote controller to the image display device (TV), utilizing the TV's existing large display capability. The TV displays the peripheral device identification information received via HDMI, making it visible from a distance. This dimensional shift allows the system to leverage the TV's display resources without adding complexity to the remote controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the image display device perform multiple functions: it serves as both the display device for viewing content and as the identification display device for the pairing process. The TV's display is universally used for both viewing peripheral device information during pairing and for normal content consumption, eliminating the need for dedicated identification displays.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pairing technique for wireless communication is applied, then MBR function can be set for wireless devices, but the process becomes difficult to apply equally to mobile phones and wireless devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the peripheral device to self-identify by displaying its own identification information on its screen. The device automatically provides its identification data without requiring manual input or complex pairing procedures. The remote controller simply needs to capture the displayed information via camera and extract the identifier, creating a self-service identification system.
Data Source
AI summary
An image display device configured to obtain device identification information corresponding to a peripheral device connected to the image display device and control a wireless communicator to transmit search data corresponding to the peripheral device to a control device of the image display device based on the device identification information, and to determine pairing data and control code information corresponding to the peripheral device, based on the device identification information, upon receiving response data from the control device, and transmit the pairing data and the control code information to the control device through the wireless communicator.