Virtual Remote Control Dashboard for Network Device Troubleshooting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld remote controls are limited by their passive nature, making it difficult to determine if a malfunction is due to the device or user error without physical proximity, and they are constrained to a specific location due to limited transmitter power and signal characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes an agent controller with a virtual remote control, an input history store, and a machine learning engine to generate a dashboard UI displaying user input operations and recommended actions, allowing remote control of network devices and troubleshooting of issues from a different location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a physical remote control is used at the subscriber location, then the device can control the network device, but it is difficult to determine if there is a malfunction or user error without physical proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical remote control that replicates its functionality and interface. This virtual remote control allows service providers to remotely interact with the network device as if they were physically present with the original remote control, enabling both troubleshooting and control operations without physical proximity to the subscriber location.
2Power
If infrared-based remote control is used, then the control signal can be transmitted, but the device is constrained to a physical location due to limited transmitter power and line of sight requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network-based intermediary system that mediates between the service provider and the network device. Instead of directly transmitting control signals from a physical remote control, the system uses a virtual remote control interface accessed through a network connection, allowing service providers to control devices from any location with network access, thereby eliminating the line of sight and proximity constraints of traditional infrared remotes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a virtual remote control is implemented, then remote troubleshooting and control are enabled, but the system complexity increases with dashboard UI generation and machine learning engine integration
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual remote control system is designed to be universally applicable across multiple network devices and service provider workflows. The dashboard UI and machine learning engine serve multiple functions: generating the virtual remote control interface, analyzing usage patterns, providing troubleshooting recommendations, and enabling device control. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex systems into an integrated platform, managing overall system complexity while providing comprehensive remote access capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure provide an agent control system that includes a virtual version of a remote control. In one aspect, the disclosure describes an input history store that stores user input operations corresponding to received user inputs to a remote control located at a subscriber location and an agent controller associated with a service provider that generates a dashboard user interface (UI) that operates in part to display a virtual version of the remote control, one or more of the input operations corresponding to the received user inputs to the remote control at the subscriber location, and/or a recommended action to execute on the virtual version of the remote control. Other aspects are described in detail herein.