Universal Remote Controller for Cross-Device Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face inconvenience when trying to control electronic apparatuses using small, dedicated remote controllers with limited buttons, especially when the controller is lost or malfunctions, as they need to manually interact with the apparatuses, which can be cumbersome and inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus that can be controlled using control information received from a second remote controller, allowing users to control functions such as power on/off, channel change, and volume adjustment, even when the primary remote controller is lost or malfunctioning, by utilizing infrared pulses or other short-range communication methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dedicated remote controller is used for each electronic apparatus, then the control function is reliable and specific, but the device becomes cumbersome when the remote controller is lost or malfunctioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol function reliabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables a remote controller designed for one electronic apparatus (second apparatus) to control a different electronic apparatus (first apparatus). The controller maintains its original button layout and functionality while gaining the ability to operate additional devices, eliminating the need for separate dedicated controllers for each device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a mediation mechanism where the controller transmits control signals that can be interpreted and executed by different electronic apparatuses. The system acts as an intermediary layer that allows cross-device control without requiring the controller to be physically modified or reconfigured for each device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple dedicated remote controllers are provided for different electronic apparatuses, then each apparatus can be controlled specifically, but the device complexity and number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespecific control capabilityVSAvoidnumber of remote controllers
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes a single remote controller universal by enabling it to control multiple types of electronic apparatuses. Instead of providing separate dedicated controllers for TVs, air conditioners, audio equipment, and other devices, one controller can perform all these functions, significantly reducing the total number of remote controllers needed in a household.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the control functionality for multiple electronic apparatuses into a single remote controller. By merging the control capabilities that would otherwise require separate devices into one unified controller, the system reduces complexity while maintaining the ability to specifically control different apparatus types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If a small remote controller with limited buttons is used, then the device is portable and easy to handle, but the control functionality is limited and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveportability and handlingVSAvoidcontrol functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables a compact remote controller with limited physical buttons to provide extensive control functionality by making it universal. The controller maintains its small, portable form factor while gaining the ability to control various electronic apparatuses through a mediation mechanism that expands its adaptability without adding physical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables seamless control of electronic apparatuses using a secondary remote controller, providing convenience and flexibility by allowing users to maintain functionality even without the primary controller, enhancing user experience and reducing the need for manual interaction.

Implementation Method 1

by utilizing infrared pulses or other short-range communication methods

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3314901B1Electronic apparatus controllable by a remote controller dedicated to remote control another electronic apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.12.30 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3314901B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3314901B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3314901B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic apparatus and a method for controlling the same are provided. More particularly, an electronic apparatus controlled by a first remote controller for a first electronic apparatus, and a method for controlling the same are provided. The y embodiments provide an electronic apparatus controlled by a selection of one button positioned in a first remote controller for a first electronic apparatus, and a method for controlling the same.