TV-Based Remote Programming via Graphical Interface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing universal remote controls are difficult to program, requiring technical expertise and a PC, which limits their adoption due to complexity and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A TV-based remote control system with a processor, remote application software, and a graphical user interface that allows easy programming via a keypad or touchpad, using wireless transmitters and receivers to assign commands to external devices, enabling users to customize functions and macros without needing extensive technical knowledge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing universal remote controls use PC-based programming, then programming capability and device versatility are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring technical expertise and a PC
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a TV as an intermediary device between the remote control and the PC. The TV displays a graphical user interface that guides users through the programming process, while the remote control communicates with the TV via wireless signals. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for users to directly interact with complex PC-based programming interfaces, thereby maintaining programming capability while significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electronic programming interface (requiring direct PC access and technical expertise) with a wireless communication system. The remote control uses wireless transmitters to send commands to the TV, which processes and executes the programming through software. This substitution of the programming mechanism from direct hardware interaction to wireless software-based interaction simplifies the user experience while preserving full programming functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If advanced universal remotes use PC for programming, then feature customization is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring additional hardware and technical knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the programming functionality from the remote control itself and relocates it to the TV system. The remote control is simplified to a basic wireless signaling device, while the TV handles all complex programming tasks through its processor and software. This extraction reduces the complexity of the remote control hardware while maintaining full feature customization capability through the TV's graphical interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the TV a multi-functional device that serves both as the display/output device and as the programming/control system. By integrating the programming software and graphical user interface into the TV, the system eliminates the need for separate PC hardware and reduces overall system complexity. The TV universally handles both media playback and remote programming tasks through a single integrated system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If remote controls require extensive memory and processing power, then programming capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the memory and processing requirements from the remote control and relocates them to the TV system. The remote control only contains minimal components for wireless signal transmission, while the TV's processor and memory handle all programming operations, command storage, and execution. This extraction significantly reduces the power requirements of the remote control while preserving full programming capability through the TV's more powerful processing system.
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
The system simplifies the programming process, making it accessible to a broader audience, reducing complexity and enhancing user experience by allowing easy assignment of commands and macros, while minimizing the remote's memory and power requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a first wireless transmitter for communicating a first signal between remote control and the processor
Data Source
AI summary
A system for remotely controlling one or more components coupled to a display or TV. Remote application software is provided on the TV for communicating a first signal between remote control and the processor via a receiver coupled to the processor, the remote application software comprises a graphical user interface for output on the, wherein the graphical user interface allows a user to assign the buttons on the remote keypad first to one or more commands that operate one or more external devices coupled to the display.