Universal Control Engine Protocol Translation
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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 large installed base of prior generation appliances and fragmented adoption of newer methods.
Innovation Solution
A modular hardware and software solution, the Universal Control Engine (UCE), which adapts to various control methodologies and communication media, such as IR, CEC, IP, RF4CE, and Bluetooth, to provide device control by receiving commands from controlling devices and applying the optimum methodology for each appliance, enabling seamless integration with legacy technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication protocols and command formats are supported across appliances, then control functionality and features are enhanced, but device complexity and user confusion increase due to inconsistent adoption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controlling device that serves as an intermediary between the user and multiple appliances. This device contains a database of command formats and communication protocols for different appliance types, automatically selecting and translating the appropriate protocol when issuing commands. This mediator approach allows enhanced control functionality while hiding the underlying protocol complexity from users.
Solution Approach 2:
The controlling device is designed with universal functionality to support multiple communication protocols (IR, RF, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) and various command formats simultaneously. It can adapt to control different appliance types (TVs, set-top boxes, receivers) using the appropriate protocol from its database, making a single device capable of handling diverse control requirements without requiring users to learn multiple protocols.
2Reliability
If new communication protocols are adopted to improve control reliability, then performance is enhanced, but compatibility with legacy appliances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controlling device dynamically adapts its communication approach based on the target appliance. It maintains a database of supported protocols for different appliance types and automatically selects the most appropriate protocol for each device. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to use modern reliable protocols when available while falling back to legacy protocols when needed, ensuring both reliability and compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes communication parameters (protocol type, command format) based on the specific appliance being controlled. The controlling device queries or determines the appliance type and adjusts its communication parameters accordingly, selecting from multiple protocol options in its database. This parameter adaptation enables reliable control of modern appliances while maintaining compatibility with legacy devices.
3Ease of operation
If a single controlling device manages all appliances, then user interaction is simplified, but the complexity of selecting the optimal control method for each appliance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controlling device performs self-service by automatically determining the appropriate communication protocol and command format for each appliance. It maintains an internal database of appliance types and their supported protocols, automatically matching the correct protocol without user input. This automation simplifies user interaction while managing the internal complexity of protocol selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to determine the optimal control method for each appliance. When an appliance responds to a command or provides status information, the controlling device uses this feedback to confirm successful communication and adjust its protocol selection for future commands. This feedback-driven approach automates the complex task of protocol selection while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device receives a request from a controlling device, such as a remote control, smart phone, or the like, where the request is intended to have one or more target devices perform one or more functional operations. The device responds to the request by applying the optimum methodology to propagate one or more commands to each intended target appliance to cause each intended target appliance to perform the intended one or more functional operations.