Universal Controlling Device Configuration via Geographic Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing universal remote control configuration methods are not user-friendly and lack efficiency, requiring complex setup procedures and multiple steps to associate devices with appliances.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows users to configure universal controlling devices by entering geographical location or regional identity, presenting a selected set of appliance codes based on brand and model popularity, enabling rapid configuration with a single command code library and optional PC or Internet-based downloads for complete coverage, and simplifying features like favorite channel selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a universal controlling device uses a comprehensive command code library to cover all appliance brands and models, then appliance control coverage is improved, but device complexity and configuration time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the comprehensive command code library into region-specific subsets. Instead of presenting users with all possible appliance codes globally, the system divides the code library by geographic regions (e.g., North America, Europe, Asia) and further segments by popular brands and models within each region. This segmentation reduces the initial configuration burden while maintaining comprehensive coverage capabilities through optional downloads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing region-specific command code sets tailored to local appliance markets. Each geographic region receives a customized subset of command codes corresponding to the most popular appliance brands and models in that region. This allows the device to have optimized performance for local users without sacrificing the ability to access comprehensive codes when needed through PC or Internet-based configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device includes all appliance command codes pre-stored, then appliance control coverage is improved, but configuration time and user effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing only the most essential and commonly used command codes for each geographic region in the device's memory. These pre-loaded codes cover the majority of appliances users are likely to control in their region. Less common or region-specific codes are made available through optional PC or Internet-based downloads, allowing users to obtain comprehensive coverage only when needed rather than requiring all codes to be pre-loaded and configured.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device provides comprehensive appliance code coverage, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple configuration steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the device to automatically determine the user's geographic region (through location services or user selection) and automatically load the appropriate region-specific command code set. The device then presents a simplified configuration process showing only the most relevant appliance brands and models for that region, eliminating the need for users to manually search through comprehensive global code lists. This self-service approach maintains comprehensive coverage capabilities while dramatically simplifying the initial configuration experience.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method wherein geographic data is used to configure a controlling device to control operations of a target device and/or to configure the controlling device to control tuning operations of a target device. The system additionally provides for the harmonization of controlling device configurations made on the controlling device and/or a remote computer.