Universal Remote Control Signal Mapping for Legacy RCO Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote controlled objects (RCOs) from different manufacturers have non-standardized remote control signals, making it impossible to integrate them into a system or replace original controllers, especially when lost or malfunctioning, limiting their use and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a database for remote control information, a remote control signal sending unit, and controllers connected via standardized communication interfaces, with identification and action verification means to automatically determine and send correct remote control signals to RCOs, using machine learning for identification and heuristic searches when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If remote control signals are not standardized for different manufacturers, then each manufacturer can optimize control for their specific devices, but integration of different RCOs into a system becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a universal controller as an intermediary device that translates between standardized control commands and manufacturer-specific remote control signals. This mediator layer enables compatibility across different RCO manufacturers without requiring each device to support multiple signal formats, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal controller is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple RCO types and manufacturers through a single device. It maintains a database of various remote control signal formats and can dynamically select and transmit the appropriate signal type, achieving universal compatibility while keeping individual RCO devices simple.
2Reliability
If original controller units are not replacedable when lost or malfunctioning, then original functionality is preserved, but user experience deteriorates when controllers are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The universal controller is designed as an affordable, easily replaceable device that can take over when the original controller is lost or malfunctioning. It doesn't need to be a permanent or highly durable replacement, but rather a practical short-term solution that restores functionality, aligning with the disposable principle.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal controller serves as an intermediary replacement that bridges the gap when the original controller fails. It translates user commands into the appropriate manufacturer-specific signals, maintaining system functionality without requiring the original controller hardware.
3Adaptability or versatility
If automated identification of RCOs is implemented, then universal control becomes possible, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automated identification where the universal controller automatically detects and identifies the connected RCO type without user intervention. It queries the RCO for its identification information and automatically configures the appropriate control signal format, making the system adaptable while keeping the user experience simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification process uses feedback mechanisms where the controller sends test signals to the RCO and analyzes the response to determine the RCO type. This feedback loop enables automatic adaptation to different devices based on their actual response characteristics, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
System for controlling a remote controllable object, RCO, comprising a database configured to maintain remote control information regarding at least one RCO, wherein the remote control information comprises at least one remote control command of the RCO; a remote control signal sending unit configured to send at least one remote control signal comprised in the remote control command to at least one RCO via a remote control interface; a first controller operationally connected to the database, wherein the first controller is configured to retrieve the remote control information for an RCO from the database; and is configured to send remote control information via a first communication interface to a second controller; wherein the second controller is operationally connected to the remote control sending unit; and is configured to receive the remote control information from the first controller via the first communication interface; and is configured to send at least one remote control signal based on the remote control information to the RCO via the remote control interface.