Universal Remote Controller for Multi-Room Networked Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network systems for controlling electronic devices across multiple rooms are cumbersome, requiring users to perform individual operations on each device for tasks like muting or adjusting volume, and lack an intuitive interface, often necessitating advanced control devices that increase system costs.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a remote controller that selects between single-device, in-room, and network-wide control modes based on operation input, using a touch panel to distinguish between these modes and generate corresponding control commands, allowing users to perform operations using a standard remote controller without increasing device costs or complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a highly advanced network control device is provided to enable operation control in various cases, then the functionality and ease of operation are improved, but the system costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The remote controller is designed to perform multiple functions by detecting different operation patterns (single press, double press, long press) of the same operation key to distinguish between single-device control, in-room control, and network-wide control modes. This allows a single inexpensive device to replace multiple specialized control devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the remote controller by interpreting different pressing patterns (number of presses, duration) of the operation key to generate different control commands. This enables one device to control multiple devices, one room's devices, or all network devices without requiring additional hardware.
2Device complexity
If individual operation keys are used on each device for control operations, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users must go around each room
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of multiple devices into a single remote controller. Instead of requiring separate operation keys on each device, the remote controller consolidates all control operations, and the system intelligently distributes commands to the appropriate target devices based on the detected operation pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote controller serves as an intermediary device that mediates between the user and multiple target devices. It receives the user's operation input, determines the intended control scope (single device, in-room, or network-wide), and transmits appropriate control commands to the relevant devices, eliminating the need for users to physically visit each device.
3Device complexity
If a standard remote controller is used without advanced features, then the device cost is reduced, but the ability to perform network-wide control operations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The remote controller dynamically adapts its control scope based on the detected operation pattern. The same operation key can trigger single-device control, in-room control, or network-wide control depending on how it is pressed (single press, double press, long press), making the simple device versatile without requiring multiple physical buttons or complex interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device, which handles a network system in which electronic devices installed in each of multiple rooms are connected via a communication network and each electronic device can perform communication via the communication network, includes: a control unit to selectively set a first control mode in which operation control according to operation input is performed as to a particular single electronic device, a second control mode in which operation control according to operation input is performed in common as to electronic devices installed in the same room, and a third control mode in which operation control according to operation input is performed in common as to electronic devices connected to the communication network, as an operation control mode according to predetermined operation input, and to generate a control command; and a transmission unit to transmit a control command that the control unit has generated according to the control mode.