TV and Set-Top Box Power State Synchronization via Color Sensor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inconvenience and unnecessary power consumption due to the lack of synchronization between set-top boxes and TVs, as they often have different remote controls and are installed in different locations, making it difficult to perceive and control their power states simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A synchronization control device equipped with microcontrollers, color image sensors, and infrared emitters that detect and synchronize the power states of set-top boxes and TVs by emitting infrared control signals to ensure both devices are turned on or off simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate remote controls are used for set-top box and TV, then each device can be controlled independently, but user convenience deteriorates due to inability to perceive and control power states simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of the set-top box and TV into a unified remote control system. The remote control device is configured to control both devices simultaneously, allowing a single remote to manage power states of both devices. This combining approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining independent device control capability while significantly improving user convenience through unified operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control device is designed with universal functionality to control multiple types of devices (set-top box and TV) with a single unit. It incorporates multiple infrared transmitters that can emit different control signals tailored to each device type, enabling one remote to perform the functions previously requiring separate remotes, thus improving ease of operation without sacrificing adaptability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If set-top box and TV are controlled separately, then device independence is maintained, but power consumption increases due to unsynchronized power states
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the remote control device detects the power states of both the set-top box and TV through their indicator lights or status signals. Based on this feedback, the remote control automatically determines the appropriate power state for each device and executes synchronized control, ensuring that when one device is turned off, the other is also turned off, thereby reducing energy loss while maintaining device independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control device is pre-configured with synchronization logic that proactively manages power states. When the user controls one device, the system preliminarily determines the required power state for the other device and executes the control action in advance or simultaneously, preventing energy waste from unsynchronized states before it occurs, while preserving the independent operational capability of each device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different remote controls are used for TV and set-top box, then device-specific control is achieved, but device complexity increases from multiple control devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple remote control devices into a single unified remote control unit. This consolidated remote control integrates the functionality of separate TV and set-top box remotes, reducing the number of physical devices from two to one. The unified remote maintains device-specific control capabilities through multiple infrared transmitters that can emit device-appropriate control signals, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control device is designed as a universal controller that can operate both TV and set-top box devices. It incorporates multiple infrared transmitters with different emission characteristics suitable for different device types, allowing a single multi-functional remote to replace multiple single-purpose remotes. This approach reduces the overall device complexity by eliminating redundant control devices while maintaining the ability to control each device appropriately.
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 solution enhances user convenience by allowing synchronized power states of set-top boxes and TVs through remote control operation, reducing power consumption and improving user experience by ensuring both devices are in the same power state.
Implementation Method 1
a first color image sensor to detect a first status of a first power indicator of the TV
Implementation Method 2
a first infrared emitter, for emitting a first infrared control signal to the TV to switch a first power state of the TV
Data Source
AI summary
A synchronization control device for use in a TV system is provided. The TV system includes a TV and a first electronic device. The synchronization control device includes: a microcontroller; a first detection apparatus, and a second detection apparatus. The synchronization control device is capable of detecting the power state of the TV and of the first electronic device using color image sensors to detect the status of power indicators of the TV and of the first electronic device. When the power state of the TV is different from that of the first electronic device, the microcontroller controls a first infrared emitter in the first detection apparatus to emit a infrared control signal to the TV to switch the power state of the TV, so that the power state of the TV is synchronized to the power state of the first electronic device.