Virtual Controller for Wearable Smart TV Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing devices, such as smart TVs and monitors, often operate in a fragmented environment due to different hardware and operating systems, making it difficult for them to communicate and perform functions efficiently. Additionally, the lack of a unified interface and the unavailability of physical remotes can hinder user control and experience.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for dynamic remote control among digital assistant devices, where a wearable computing device, such as a smart watch, detects the presence of a smart TV and establishes a communication channel to invoke a virtual controller. This allows users to control the smart TV using voice queries or inputs on the smart watch, providing seamless control and a unified interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a physical remote control is used to control a smart television, then the user can control the television, but the remote control may be unavailable, lost or not functioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the remote control functionality by detecting the television's capability information and generating a corresponding virtual controller on the wearable device. This virtual controller replicates the remote control functions, allowing users to control the television without a physical remote. The virtual controller is generated based on the detected capability data, ensuring it matches the television's control interface requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable device acts as an intermediary between the user and the television. It detects the television's presence and capability information, establishes a communication connection, and mediates the control signals between the user and the television. The wearable device processes the capability information and generates appropriate control interfaces, serving as a bridge that enables control when the physical remote is unavailable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple computing devices with different hardware and operating systems are used in a physical location, then each device can have specialized functions, but it is challenging for them to communicate with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device serves multiple functions: it detects the presence of the television, retrieves and analyzes capability information, establishes communication connections, generates virtual controllers, and processes control signals. This multi-functional approach allows a single device to handle various tasks that would otherwise require multiple specialized devices, simplifying the overall system while maintaining adaptability to different television types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of control interface by dynamically generating a virtual controller based on the detected television capability. Instead of requiring a fixed physical remote or multiple device-specific controllers, the system adapts the control interface parameters to match the target device's requirements, enabling seamless control across different device types.
3Reliability
If a smart television is configured with a digital assistant and physical remote, then it can be controlled, but the interface may be limited or configured with a poor user interface
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual controller is dynamically generated based on the detected capability information of the television. Rather than using a static, pre-defined controller interface, the system adapts the virtual controller's structure and functions to match the specific television model and its capabilities. This dynamic generation ensures the interface is optimized for each device, improving user experience while maintaining reliable control.
Data Source
AI summary
Virtual remote control among digital assistant devices is provided. A first computing device detects a second computing device and determines a capability of the second computing device. The first computing device generates a prompt indicating that the first computing device is capable to control the second computing device. The first computing device receives, responsive to the prompt, an instruction to control the second computing device. The first computing device establishes a communication channel with the second computing device. The first computing device invokes a virtual controller on the first computing device. The virtual controller forwards queries received by the first computing device to the second computing device via the communication channel to control the second computing device.