Voice Controller Translating Audio to IR Signals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Managing multiple electronic devices in a home network becomes complex due to the need for individual remotes or cumbersome universal remote setups, especially when new devices are not recognized by pre-printed universal remote catalogs.
Innovation Solution
A hub device acts as a central connection point with multiple ports, using voice and infrared radiation commands to integrate devices, and a controller that translates audio commands into IR signals to control active devices on the network, improving device recognition and communication between devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a universal remote control is used to manage multiple devices, then device control capability is improved, but device complexity and setup difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically discovers devices on the network and configures itself without requiring manual setup. The system performs self-service by autonomously identifying active devices, learning their control protocols, and establishing communication channels, thereby eliminating the need for users to manually program each device into the universal remote.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the user and multiple devices. It receives voice commands from the user, translates them into appropriate control signals, and routes them to the correct devices. This intermediary function simplifies the user interface while maintaining comprehensive device control capability.
2Measurement precision
If individual remotes are used for each device, then device recognition accuracy is improved, but device complexity and operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual remote control functions into a single controller that manages all devices. By merging the functionality of numerous device-specific remotes into one unified device, the system maintains accurate device recognition while dramatically simplifying operation for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed with universal functionality to control multiple different types of devices through a single interface. It supports various communication protocols and can adapt to different device types, providing both accurate device recognition and simplified operation through its multi-functional capabilities.
3Ease of manufacture
If pre-printed universal remote catalogs are used, then setup process is simplified, but adaptability to new devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, pre-configured approach to a dynamic, adaptive approach. Instead of relying on fixed catalogs that must be manually updated, the controller dynamically discovers new devices on the network, automatically learns their control protocols, and adapts its behavior accordingly. This dynamic capability ensures both simple setup and high adaptability to new devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary device discovery and protocol learning automatically when devices are first connected to the network. By conducting these setup actions preliminarily and automatically, the system eliminates the need for users to manually search catalogs or program devices, thereby simplifying setup while maintaining broad device compatibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Simplifies device management by automatically recognizing and controlling multiple devices through voice commands, reducing the complexity of setup and operation, and enhancing communication between devices within the network.
Implementation Method 1
using voice and infrared radiation commands to integrate devices, and a controller that translates audio commands into IR signals
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for providing instruction to devices in the network are provided. For example, based at least in part on the list of currently active devices and the command, a controller can determine a sequence of IR signals associated with at least one currently active device and transmit, utilizing an IR transmitter incorporated with the controller, the sequence of IR signals to one or more of the currently active devices. In another example, an audio command and location information can be received and used to determine where a controller should transmit an IR signal that corresponds with the audio command, based at least in part on the location information.