Voice-Activated Bluetooth Pairing in Remote Controllers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Bluetooth remote controllers require a separate button for connection, which complicates design and is inconvenient for users, and there is a need to minimize power consumption for user input recognition during connection.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus equipped with a microphone, communication circuitry, and a processor that identifies previously connected external apparatus information in memory and performs connection based on voice commands, allowing for voice-activated pairing and power management to reduce energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a separate Bluetooth connection button is provided in the remote controller, then the connection function can be achieved, but the design becomes complicated and user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoiddesign complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the Bluetooth connection function with existing remote controller buttons. Instead of adding a separate connection button, the patent enables existing buttons to initiate Bluetooth connection when no external device is connected, thereby eliminating the need for additional hardware while maintaining connection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes existing remote controller buttons multi-functional. The same buttons serve both their original remote control functions and Bluetooth connection initiation functions, depending on the connection state. This universal approach eliminates the need for dedicated connection buttons while preserving all original functions.

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

2Ease of operation

If voice command recognition is continuously activated for Bluetooth connection, then user convenience is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic activation of voice command recognition rather than continuous activation. The microphone and voice recognition function are activated only at specific moments (when connection is needed), remaining inactive otherwise. This periodic operation significantly reduces power consumption while maintaining the ability to respond to voice commands when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects when connection functionality is needed and activates voice recognition only at those moments. The electronic apparatus self-manages the activation state based on connection requirements, eliminating the need for continuous monitoring and reducing unnecessary power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3815385B1Electronic apparatus and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3815385B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3815385B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3815385B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic apparatus may include a microphone; a communication circuitry; a memory; and a processor configured to: identify whether information of an external apparatus that previously connected through the communication circuitry is stored in the memory based on a preset event of the electronic apparatus; based on identifying that the information of the external apparatus that previously connected through the communication circuitry is stored in the memory, perform connection with the external apparatus through the communication circuitry based on the information of the external apparatus; and based on identifying that the information of the external apparatus that previously connected through the communication circuitry is not stored in the memory, perform connection with the external apparatus by performing a search through the communication circuitry, based on a first voice command obtained through the microphone.