Universal Remote Control for Diverse Media Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current home entertainment systems face compatibility issues and cumbersome setup processes due to incompatibilities between devices from different manufacturers and models, leading to difficulties in managing and configuring media delivery devices effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system with wireless communication transceivers, a database for storing device-specific command data, and a computing system that converts interaction requests into device-specific commands for seamless communication and control among media devices, enabling easier setup and interoperability through a mesh network and communal database.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple remote control devices are used to manage systems from different manufacturers, then device compatibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple remote control devices into a single universal remote control that can manage diverse media devices from different manufacturers. The universal remote integrates multiple command sets and communication protocols, allowing one device to perform the functions previously requiring multiple separate remotes, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining broad compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal remote control is designed with multi-functionality to work with various media devices including DVD players, cable/satellite receivers, and televisions from different manufacturers. It incorporates multiple Infra-Red command sets and can be programmed with device-specific protocols, enabling a single device to replace multiple manufacturer-specific remotes.
2Ease of operation
If Infra-Red macro commands are used to automate device control, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to one-way control interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the universal remote control can receive confirmation signals from controlled devices to verify command execution. The system monitors whether macro commands were successfully executed by detecting responses from the media devices, allowing it to retry failed commands or adjust the macro sequence, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If extensive configuration settings are applied to ensure proper device interconnection, then system reliability is improved, but setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal remote control stores pre-programmed Infra-Red command sets and communication protocols for multiple media device types and manufacturers. During setup, the system automatically detects the connected devices and retrieves the appropriate pre-configured command sets from its memory, eliminating the need for users to manually configure each setting and significantly reducing setup time while ensuring reliable device communication.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for enabling communication is disclosed, wherein the system may include a plurality of media devices configured to cooperate within a media delivery environment; at least one of the media devices having a wireless communication transceiver coupled thereto; a database for storing device-specific command data for the plurality of media devices; and a computing system operable to (a) receive a request from a first media device to interact with a second media device; (b) convert the interaction request into device-specific command data for the second media device; and (c) transmit the device-specific command data to the second media device.