Universal Remote Controller Relay System for Multi-Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inconvenience in managing multiple remote controllers for various electronic devices in a home setting, particularly when using a television and a set-top box together, as separate controllers are required for each device, leading to cumbersome operation and management.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus that uses a relay apparatus to control peripheral devices by receiving control signals, transmitting operation information, and generating corresponding control signals to manage multiple devices with a single interface, including storage for device information and communication units for wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple remote controllers are used to control different electronic devices, then each device can be controlled independently, but the complexity of managing multiple remote controllers increases and user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple remote controller functions into a single universal remote controller that can control multiple electronic devices. The controller integrates device identification, control signal generation, and relay communication capabilities to manage television, set-top box, and other devices through one unified interface, eliminating the need for separate remote controllers for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote controller is designed with universal functionality to control various types of electronic devices. It includes device identification capabilities, multiple control signal protocols, and relay apparatus integration to provide a single controller that can adapt to and control different device types (television, set-top box, audio equipment) through unified operation.
2Reliability
If separate remote controllers are used for television and set-top box, then each device can be controlled independently, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome switching between controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions for television and set-top box into a single remote controller. The controller automatically identifies the target device and establishes appropriate control channels, allowing users to switch between devices without physically changing remote controllers. The relay apparatus facilitates seamless communication between the controller and different devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay apparatus serves as an intermediary between the remote controller and multiple electronic devices. It receives control signals from the controller, identifies the target device, and transmits appropriate control commands to the selected device (television or set-top box), enabling smooth device switching without requiring users to manage multiple remote controllers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple remote controllers are used to control different devices, then comprehensive device control is achieved, but the time required to switch between controllers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote controller performs preliminary device identification and control channel establishment before actual control operations. The relay apparatus pre-configures communication paths to different devices, so when a user wants to control a specific device, the controller is already prepared to communicate with it, eliminating the time needed to switch between different remote controllers.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay apparatus acts as a time-efficient intermediary by maintaining ready-state communication channels with multiple devices. When control is needed, it quickly routes signals to the appropriate device without requiring physical remote controller changes, significantly reducing the time loss associated with switching between controllers for different devices.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus controls a peripheral device by using a relay apparatus. The electronic apparatus includes an interface connected to the peripheral device; a communication unit that performs communication with the relay apparatus; a receiver that receives a control signal for controlling the electronic apparatus; and a controller that, when the control signal is received, performs an operation based on the control signal, and controls the communication unit to transmit information about the performed operation and information about the peripheral device to the relay apparatus in order to control the peripheral device to perform an operation that corresponds to the performed operation.