Automatic learning of a communication protocol for remotely controlled air conditioning systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inconvenience due to the need for multiple remote controls for different air conditioning systems, as each system uses proprietary communication protocols that are often unknown during manufacturing, making it difficult to create a universal remote control.
Innovation Solution
A remote control system that learns communication protocols by receiving data frames from a second remote controller associated with an air conditioning system during a training phase, allowing it to define possible data frames for commands and send them to the AC system, using electromagnetic waves and processing logic to infer the protocol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a universal remote control is designed to control multiple AC systems, then the versatility and ease of operation are improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need to accommodate multiple unknown protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing protocol learning during a training phase before actual use. The universal remote control receives and analyzes data frames from the target AC system in advance, automatically defining the communication protocol structure. This preliminary protocol definition stored in memory eliminates the need for manual configuration during subsequent operations, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Reliability
If the communication protocol is hardcoded during manufacturing, then the manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but the adaptability to new or unknown protocols deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the communication protocol dynamic rather than static. The universal remote control includes a protocol learning mechanism that adapts to different AC systems by receiving their data frames and automatically defining the protocol structure. This dynamic adaptation stored in memory allows the device to maintain reliable communication with various systems without requiring manual reconfiguration, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If multiple remote controls are provided for different AC systems, then the ease of operation for each specific system is maintained, but the quantity of devices and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single remote control that can control multiple different AC systems. The device includes a protocol learning mechanism that automatically adapts to the target system's communication protocol by receiving and analyzing its data frames. This multi-functionality allows one universal remote to replace multiple system-specific remotes, eliminating the need for users to manage multiple devices while maintaining ease of operation for each AC system.
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 a universal remote control to automatically learn and control various air conditioning systems, reducing the need for multiple remote controls and accommodating new systems with unknown protocols.
Implementation Method 1
use, during an operating phase, said at least one emitter to send to the AC system, upon an input from a user to send one of the possible commands, electromagnetic waves carrying one of the possible data frames
Implementation Method 2
at least one receiver of electromagnetic waves configured, during a training phase, to receive, from a second remote controller associated to an air conditioning (AC) system, electromagnetic waves carrying a plurality of data frames
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention discloses a system comprising: a first remote controller comprising: at least one emitter of electromagnetic waves; at least one receiver of electromagnetic waves configured, during a training phase, to receive, from a second remote controller associated to an air conditioning (AC) system, electromagnetic waves carrying a plurality of data frames corresponding respectively to a plurality of defined commands of the AC system; at least one processing logic configured to: define, during said training phase, from said plurality of data frames corresponding to said plurality of defined commands of the AC system, a set of possible data frames corresponding respectively to a set of possible commands of the AC system defining a protocol of communication with the AC system; use, during an operating phase, said at least one emitter to send to the AC system, upon an input from a user to send one of the possible commands, electromagnetic waves carrying one of the possible data frames corresponding to said one of the possible commands.