Universal Remote Control Hierarchical Database Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current universal remote control devices are limited in the number of devices they can control and the functionality they provide, making them inadequate for operating various electronic devices like televisions, recording devices, and set-top boxes across different manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
A universal remote control device with a database structure that stores control data from multiple individual remote control units, utilizing virtual and physical remote structures with hierarchical inheritance to reduce memory requirements and prioritize control data, allowing for efficient retrieval and transmission of commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If control data from multiple individual remote control units is stored in a universal remote control device, then the number of devices that can be controlled increases, but the memory size required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments control data into two distinct categories: common control data (applicable to multiple devices of the same type) and specific control data (unique to individual devices). This segmentation allows the system to store only one instance of common data that can be shared across multiple devices, significantly reducing the total memory required while maintaining the ability to control a large number of devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal data structure where a single common control data entry can serve multiple specific devices. The controller is designed to retrieve common control data once and apply it universally across multiple devices, making the control data multi-functional. This universal approach eliminates redundant storage of identical control sequences for different devices of the same type.
2Reliability
If all control data is stored individually for each remote control unit, then complete control functionality is maintained, but data redundancy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the common control data from individual device-specific data sets and stores it separately in a common control data storage area. This extraction process removes redundant information from multiple copies and consolidates it into a single universal source, eliminating data redundancy while preserving the complete control functionality through proper data retrieval and application.
3Quantity of substance
If a hierarchical database structure with virtual and physical remote structures is implemented, then memory usage is reduced, but data retrieval complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary organization of control data into a hierarchical structure with common control data and device-specific control data separated and pre-linked. The system pre-establishes the relationships between virtual remote structures (common data) and physical remote structures (specific data), so that when control is needed, the retrieval process follows predetermined paths rather than requiring complex real-time analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal remote control device (100) is provided which is able to operate different electronic devices such as television sets, recorders, set top boxes, and audio systems. The universal remote control device (100) is provided with a database (10) in which control data collected from a plurality of individual physical remote control units (2) is stored in a structured manner. To enable the memory storing the database (10) to be kept small, repetitious and/or redundant control data is omitted. In addition, the database structure uses a hierarchical structure and inheritance. The control data of a physical remote in memory may be stored, therefore, in part in a child physical remote and also in one or more parent or grandparent virtual remotes. Such a structure enables control information which is common to a number of remotes to be stored in just a single occurrence.