Universal Control Engine Protocol Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inconsistent adoption of new communication protocols and command formats by appliance manufacturers leads to confusion and mis-operation when users or manufacturers attempt to utilize enhanced features in controlling devices, such as remote controls, due to the fragmented landscape of wireless and wired communication methods.
Innovation Solution
A Universal Control Engine (UCE) that combines various control methodologies like infrared, Consumer Electronic Control, internet protocol, and Bluetooth to provide seamless device control across different communication media, allowing a single controlling device to optimize command propagation to each appliance based on its strengths and weaknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication protocols and command formats are adopted by appliance manufacturers, then enhanced features and functionalities are achieved, but confusion and mis-operation occur due to fragmented control methods
Solution Approach 1:
A gateway device is introduced as an intermediary between the controlling device and multiple appliances. The gateway receives commands from the controlling device, determines the appropriate communication protocol for each target appliance, and forwards commands using the correct protocol (IR, RF, CEC, WiFi, Bluetooth). This mediator resolves the fragmentation issue by providing a unified interface while supporting multiple protocols underneath.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple communication protocols simultaneously. It can issue commands via infrared, radio frequency, Consumer Electronics Control, WiFi, and Bluetooth, making it universally compatible with different appliance types while maintaining a single controlling device interface for users.
2Device complexity
If a single controlling device is used to control multiple appliances with different protocols, then device simplicity is improved, but reliable command propagation to each appliance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device dynamically adapts its behavior based on the target appliance. It determines the appropriate communication protocol in real-time for each command, selecting from multiple available protocols (IR, RF, CEC, WiFi, Bluetooth) based on the specific appliance being controlled, thereby maintaining reliability across diverse devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway changes the transmission parameters of commands based on the target appliance type. It modifies communication protocol parameters such as transmission medium, signal format, and protocol specifications to match the capabilities of each specific appliance, ensuring reliable command propagation despite using a single controlling device.
3Reliability
If new communication protocols are implemented, then performance and reliability are improved, but inconsistent adoption by manufacturers causes fragmentation
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the control function by separating the controlling device from the protocol-specific transmission. The gateway device handles protocol-specific segments (IR, RF, CEC, WiFi, Bluetooth) while the controlling device maintains a unified interface. This segmentation allows each protocol to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
In response to a detected presence of an intended target appliance within a logical topography of controllable appliances identity information associated with the intended target appliance is used to automatically add to a graphical user interface of a controlling device an icon representative of the intended target appliance and to create at a Universal Control Engine a listing of communication methods for use in controlling corresponding functional operations of the intended target appliance. When the icon is later activated, the controlling device is placed into an operating state appropriate for controlling functional operations of the intended target appliance while the Universal Control Engine uses at least one of the communication methods to transmit at least one command to place the intended target appliance into a predetermined operating state.