Unified Interface for Vehicle External Device Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite television systems for vehicles require separate control interfaces for each external device, increasing system cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows a receiving device, such as a set-top box, to communicate with and control external devices through a shared user interface, using a first controller and data port to transmit command identifiers, enabling centralized control and reducing the need for multiple user interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate control interfaces are provided for each external device, then each device can be controlled independently, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving device's user interface is designed to serve multiple functions: it controls both the receiving device itself and multiple external devices (DVD player, antenna, etc.). A single unified interface replaces multiple separate interfaces, reducing system cost while maintaining independent control capability through device identification and command routing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control functions of multiple separate interfaces into a single unified user interface. The interface consolidates control capabilities for the receiving device and multiple external devices, eliminating the need for separate remote controls or control panels for each device, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate user interfaces are provided for each device, then each device can be controlled specifically, but the overall system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving device acts as an intermediary between the user and multiple external devices. The unified user interface communicates with the receiving device, which then routes appropriate commands to the target external device based on device identification. This mediator approach allows device-specific control while maintaining a single interface, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The user interface is designed with universal control capabilities that can adapt to control different types of devices. Through device identification and command routing, the same interface can specifically control various external devices (DVD player, antenna, etc.) without requiring separate specialized interfaces for each device type.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for controlling an external device from a first device include a display and a user interface associated with the first device. The first device has a first controller and a first data port. An external device has an external controller and a second data port coupled to the first data port. The external device communicates a command and a command identifier to the first controller. The first controller causes the display to display the command. When the command is selected by the user interface, the first controller transmits the command identifier to the external controller through the first and second data port.