UWB Recognition for Continuous Control of Multiple External Devices

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods require multiple screen displays and precise aiming to control multiple devices, leading to inconvenience and usability issues when devices are densely packed.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device equipped with UWB communication and a processor that identifies and controls multiple devices capable of performing a selected function, transmitting control signals via a communication module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the general point-to-control method is used to control multiple devices, then each device can be controlled individually, but multiple screen displays and control operations are required, leading to inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of controlling multiple devicesVSAvoidtime for repeated screen interactions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control of multiple external devices into a single continuous control screen that displays all detected devices simultaneously. Instead of requiring separate screen displays for each device, the system combines all device information in one interface, allowing users to switch between devices without repeated screen interactions and reducing the time required to control multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary recognition of all external devices capable of performing the selected function before the user initiates control. The system proactively detects and displays all available devices in advance, so when the user selects a function, the control screen is already prepared with all relevant devices, eliminating the need for repeated screen displays and reducing interaction time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If the general point-to-control method is used with densely packed devices, then control can be achieved by accurate aiming, but usability deteriorates when aiming is not accurate, causing unintended devices to be controlled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of device identificationVSAvoidusability when devices are densely packed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the device selection process into distinct stages: first displaying all detected devices with their identifiers, then allowing the user to select from this comprehensive list. This segmentation eliminates the need for precise aiming in crowded environments, as users can visually identify and select the intended device from the displayed list rather than relying solely on directional accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent provides continuous feedback by displaying information about all detected external devices on the control screen, including device identifiers and capabilities. This feedback mechanism allows users to verify which devices are detected and confirm their selection before control is executed, preventing unintended device control even when devices are densely packed and aiming precision is difficult to achieve.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the mobile device recognizes and displays information for each device sequentially, then individual device control is enabled, but the control process becomes complex and requires multiple operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to control different device typesVSAvoidcomplexity of control operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal control screen that can handle multiple types of external devices simultaneously. The system displays and manages information for various device types (TV, audio equipment, etc.) in a unified interface, allowing the user to control different device types through the same操作流程, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary recognition and classification of all external devices before the user initiates control operations. The system proactively identifies device types, capabilities, and relationships, and pre-organizes this information on the control screen. This preliminary action simplifies the subsequent control process by presenting a structured overview, reducing the complexity of operations needed to control diverse device types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4373100B1Electronic apparatus for controlling at least one external apparatus.
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4373100B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4373100B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4373100B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to various embodiments, an electronic apparatus comprises: at least one communication module; a display; and a processor, wherein the processor may be configured to: control the display module to display, on the display module, a first screen for selecting at least one of at least one function; while the first screen is displayed, check selection of a first function among the at least one function; in response to the selection of the first function, recognize at least one external apparatus located around the electronic apparatus by using a first communication module supporting an ultra-wideband (UWB) method among the at least one communication module; check whether the at least one external apparatus is capable of carrying out the first function; and on the basis of the at least one external apparatus being capable of carrying out the first function, by using the at least the part of the at least one communication module, transmit, to a server connected to the at least one external apparatus, at least one control request signal requesting a control signal for carrying out the first function to be transmitted to the at least one external apparatus.