Unified Remote Interface for Multi-Device Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional user interfaces for remote interaction with electronic devices often require multiple interfaces or hardware accessories, leading to inefficient usage and increased user effort, particularly in scenarios where seamless control across multiple devices is desired, such as watching TV and missing important moments due to the need to switch rooms.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for remote interaction via a user interface that establishes communication channels between electronic devices using different protocols (NFC, USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.) to dynamically generate and update a unified user interface, allowing for seamless control and media content management across devices without the need for physical interaction or multiple interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple user interfaces or hardware accessories are used to control multiple electronic devices, then device control capability is improved, but user effort and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice control capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple user interfaces and control functions into a single unified interface. The system integrates control capabilities for TV, smartphone, and other devices into one consolidated interface that displays and manages all devices centrally, eliminating the need for separate remote controls or interfaces for each device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The unified user interface is designed to perform multiple functions across different device types. A single interface can control playback, adjust settings, and manage content across TV, smartphone, tablet, and other electronic devices, making the system versatile without requiring device-specific interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If user participation and end-user configurations are required for remote interaction, then interaction precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinteraction precisionVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects available devices and configures the unified interface without requiring manual user setup. Devices are automatically registered, and the interface adapts to display relevant controls based on detected devices, eliminating the need for users to manually configure each device connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary device detection and configuration automatically before user interaction begins. Devices are pre-registered and the interface is pre-configured with appropriate controls, so users can immediately start controlling devices without going through setup procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If a single user interface is used to control multiple devices, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice control capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The unified user interface dynamically adapts its layout, controls, and functionality based on which devices are currently detected and active. The interface automatically reconfigures itself to provide appropriate controls for the specific set of available devices, maintaining both simplicity and device-specific functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes interface parameters such as displayed controls, available functions, and device listings based on the detected devices. When a TV is detected, TV-specific controls appear; when a smartphone is detected, mobile device controls are added, allowing the single interface to adapt to different device combinations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If conventional remote interaction methods are used, then device control is achieved, but user experience quality deteriorates due to interrupted viewing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice controlVSAvoidviewing experience continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The unified user interface acts as an intermediary between the user and multiple devices, centralizing control functions. This allows users to manage playback and device operations through one interface without needing to physically move between devices or switch between multiple remote controls, maintaining continuous viewing experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9685074B2Method and system for remote interaction with electronic device

Publication Date: 2017.06.20 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

Various aspects of a method and system for remote interaction with an electronic device via a user interface are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the method comprises establishment of a first communication channel between a first electronic device and a second electronic device by use of a first communication protocol. A second communication channel is dynamically established with the second electronic device based on the established first communication channel. The second communication channel uses a second communication protocol. Data associated with the second electronic device is received by the first electronic device. The data is received via the established second communication channel.