Universal Remote Mediator for Cross-Protocol Device Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face challenges in configuring devices from different manufacturers to communicate with each other due to varying communication formats and techniques, limiting the ability to control one device with another.

Innovation Solution

A central device manages interactions between user devices using multiple communication techniques, allowing messages and commands to be transmitted across devices with different communication standards, enabling cross-communication and control between devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If devices from different manufacturers use different communication formats and techniques, then each device can operate independently with its own standards, but devices cannot communicate with one another

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice independenceVSAvoidcross-device compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a universal remote control as an intermediary device that mediates communication between devices using different communication standards. The universal remote receives commands from one device and translates them into appropriate signals for another device, enabling cross-communication without requiring the devices themselves to be directly compatible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The universal remote control is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple communication techniques including infrared, Bluetooth, and other protocols. This allows a single device to interact with various types of controlled devices (TVs, set-top boxes, DVD players, etc.) that use different communication standards, providing universal control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a universal remote control is used to operate multiple devices, then control capability is extended across different device types, but the user must always possess and be within range of the remote control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-device control capabilityVSAvoidcontinuous remote possession requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by establishing communication links and configuring control relationships between devices in advance. Once configured, the controlling device can prompt actions on controlled devices without requiring the user to physically hold or be near the universal remote control, enabling operation from a distance or without continuous possession.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of physical remote control possession with electronic/digital communication mechanisms. Control commands are transmitted electronically between devices through networks or wireless communications, eliminating the need for the user to physically hold the remote control device to operate controlled devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If devices use standardized communication protocols, then communication between devices is simplified, but devices cannot operate with proprietary or specialized communication techniques

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication simplicityVSAvoidsupport for specialized protocols

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The universal remote control acts as an intermediary that handles protocol translation and adaptation. It receives commands in one format and transmits them in the appropriate format for the target device, maintaining communication simplicity for the user while supporting diverse specialized protocols underneath.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8935408B2Personal area network of devices and applications

Publication Date: 2015.01.13 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC

AI summary

A device receives, by using a first communication technique, a message from a first user device. The device identifies a profile associated with the first user device or a user of the first user device. The device further identifies, in the profile, a relevant rule, based on the message, and a second user device that is designated as a primary user device of the user associated with the profile. By using a second communication technique, the device transmits a request for instructions to the second user device based on the relevant rule, and receives the instructions from the second user device. The instructions specify a third user device selected by the user. The device generates a command based on the relevant rule. The device transmits, by using a third communication technique, the command to the third user device.