Universal Remote Controller Using Time-Division Infrared Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional universal remote controllers require both infrared and Bluetooth communication modules, increasing manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus with a signal receiver and transmitter, along with a processor that alternates between receiving and outputting specific signal sections to control external devices using an inexpensive infrared interface, where the processor identifies input keys and outputs corresponding signals during idle sections to avoid interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both infrared and Bluetooth communication modules are included in the universal remote controller, then the remote controller can control both electronic apparatus and external apparatus, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the Bluetooth communication module from the universal remote controller, removing the unnecessary component while retaining the essential infrared communication module. The electronic apparatus itself handles Bluetooth communication with external apparatus, so the remote controller only needs infrared capability to control both electronic and external apparatus through the electronic apparatus as an intermediary.
Solution Approach 2:
The infrared communication module in the remote controller is designed to be universal, capable of controlling both the electronic apparatus directly and external apparatus through the electronic apparatus. The electronic apparatus acts as a relay, receiving infrared signals from the remote controller and forwarding appropriate control signals to external apparatus via Bluetooth or other interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If both Bluetooth and infrared signals are transmitted simultaneously, then comprehensive control is achieved, but signal interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by transmitting infrared signals from the remote controller to the electronic apparatus in a time-division manner. The electronic apparatus then periodically forwards the converted control signals to external apparatus. This periodic transmission schedule prevents simultaneous transmission of conflicting signals and eliminates interference between Bluetooth and infrared communication channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic apparatus serves as an intermediary device between the remote controller and external apparatus. It receives infrared signals from the remote controller, processes and converts them into appropriate control signals, and then transmits these signals to external apparatus. This intermediary role isolates the infrared and Bluetooth communication paths, preventing direct signal interference while maintaining comprehensive control functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus is provided. The electronic apparatus includes a signal receiver configured to receive a first wireless signal; a signal transmitter configured to output a second wireless signal; and a processor configured to: identify an external apparatus based on an input key indicated by the first wireless signal as the first wireless signal is repeatedly received through the signal receiver; identify the second wireless signal based on the input key and the external apparatus; and control the signal transmitter to repeatedly output the second wireless signal while the first wireless signal is repeatedly received. Each of the first wireless signal and the second wireless signal alternately comprises a signal section corresponding to the input key and an idle section, and the processor is further configured to control the signal transmitter to output the second wireless signal during the idle section of the first wireless signal.