Universal Remote Control Programming via Visual Device Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing universal remote control (URC) devices require users to manually enter codeset identifiers from a manual, which is tedious and time-consuming, and they are limited to stored codesets, necessitating large memory and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A URC device is programmed using a graphical user interface with digital photographs of electronic consumer devices, allowing users to select the appropriate device, with codeset information being outputted automatically through an audio connection or displayed for manual entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual with codeset identifiers is provided for programming, then users can program the URC device, but the programming process becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital photographs (visual copies) of electronic consumer devices and remote controls to represent devices in the programming interface. Instead of requiring users to read and match codeset identifiers from a manual, users can visually identify their device from photographs displayed on a screen, significantly simplifying the programming process and reducing time required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer as an intermediary between the user and the URC device programming process. The computer displays visual images of devices, receives user input, and automatically transmits the corresponding codeset information to the URC device, eliminating the need for users to manually search through manuals and reducing programming time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire codeset database is stored in the URC device memory, then all device codesets are available, but the memory size and device cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the codeset database from the URC device memory and stores it externally on a computer. The URC device only needs to store minimal programming information, while the comprehensive codeset database resides on the computer that assists with programming. This dramatically reduces the memory size required in the URC device while maintaining full codeset availability during the programming process.
3Ease of operation
If auto search mode is implemented to eliminate manual codeset entry, then programming becomes easier, but multiple programming steps and time are still required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual photographs of devices and remote controls to create an intuitive selection interface. Users can directly identify and select their device by viewing images, eliminating the need for multiple auto-search steps or manual codeset entry. The computer then automatically retrieves and transmits the correct codeset information, simplifying the process to a single selection action.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal remote control (URC) is programmed to control a particular type and make of electronic consumer device using a graphical user interface. A plurality of images is displayed on the user-interface. Each image of the plurality of images is a digital photograph of an electronic consumer device or a remote control device usable to control the corresponding electronic consumer device. A user selects the digital photograph of the particular type and make of electronic consumer device or its corresponding remote control device. Codeset information associated with the selected device is transmitted to the URC such that the URC is programmed to control the selected device. If the codeset information is a codeset identifier, then it is displayed on the user interface. The user enters the codeset identifier into the URC such that the URC is programmed to control the selected device.