Wireless Remote Frequency Adaptation via Beacon Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless remote devices face challenges with interference and the need for reprogramming when moved between systems, particularly in close proximity to other devices, leading to issues like inadvertent transmission and limited battery life due to high power requirements for continuous infrared transmissions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system where remotes automatically establish and terminate communications with base stations upon entering or leaving a room, using a beacon signal to determine the appropriate frequency for bi-directional radio frequency communications, allowing seamless movement between systems without reprogramming and reducing power consumption by using radio frequency transmissions for communication while infrared is used for beacon signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If infrared transmissions are used for continuous communication, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic beacon signals transmitted by the base station at specific intervals to indicate presence and trigger remote activation. Instead of continuous infrared transmission, the remote only activates periodically when it detects a beacon signal, dramatically reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable communication when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote device automatically activates and communicates when it detects the beacon signal from the base station, without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates power consumption by enabling transmission only when the beacon is detected, eliminating the need for continuous monitoring or user activation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If pre-programming to specific frequencies is used to prevent interference, then interference between devices is reduced, but adaptability to different systems decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the remote device universal by enabling it to automatically detect and adapt to different base station frequencies through beacon signal detection. The remote can operate with multiple different systems without reprogramming, as it dynamically adjusts to the frequency indicated by the detected beacon signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote device changes its operating parameters (frequency) dynamically based on the detected beacon signal. Instead of being fixed to a pre-programmed frequency, the remote adjusts its transmission frequency to match the base station it detects, preventing interference while maintaining adaptability.
3Reliability
If manual reprogramming is required when moving between systems, then frequency coordination is achieved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote device automatically performs frequency coordination by detecting the beacon signal from the base station and adjusting its parameters accordingly. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual reprogramming when moving between systems, maintaining frequency coordination while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station pre-establishes its beacon signal with the operating frequency information before the remote arrives. When the remote detects this pre-established beacon, it can immediately adjust to the correct frequency without manual intervention, achieving preliminary frequency coordination.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If infrared signals with line-of-sight transmission are used, then interference between neighboring devices is prevented, but power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic beacon signals instead of continuous infrared transmission. The remote only activates and transmits when it detects a beacon signal, converting continuous power consumption into periodic, event-driven transmission that maintains line-of-sight interference prevention while reducing overall power requirements.
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
This solution minimizes interference and battery consumption, enabling remotes to operate efficiently across different systems without reprogramming, ensuring reliable communication and extended battery life.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a beacon signal using a line-of-sight transmission signal indicating a frequency for bi-directional radio frequency communications
Implementation Method 2
receiving the beacon signal and determining a frequency for establishing bi-directional communications
Implementation Method 3
establishing bi-directional communications using the frequency
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments include apparatus, systems, and methods including an apparatus comprising a remote operable to receive a non-radio frequency beacon signal, the non-radio frequency beacon signal transmitted within and contained substantially within an approximate line-of-sight transmission space, the non-radio frequency beacon signal including at least one channel information portion, wherein the channel information portion includes information indicating a radio frequency, the remote operable to establish bi-directional communications using the radio frequency designated by the at least one channel information portion.