Zero-Configuration Remote Control via Network Address Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inconvenience in controlling unannounced devices, such as set-top boxes or media players, when trying to communicate with networked media devices like TVs, as there is no centralized control mechanism available through client devices, even if they are on different networks.
Innovation Solution
A method where a client device determines the internet protocol address and port associated with an unannounced device, constrains an executable environment in a security sandbox, and automatically instantiates a connection with the unannounced device using a sandboxed application, allowing for zero-configuration remote control, even if the devices are on different networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration is used to establish communication between client device and unannounced device, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic device discovery and connection establishment without requiring manual user configuration. The client device automatically detects unannounced devices on the network, retrieves their IP addresses and ports, and establishes connections autonomously, eliminating the need for users to manually configure communication parameters while maintaining reliable connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes communication parameters by automatically discovering devices and their network addresses before the user needs to interact with them. The client device proactively scans the network, identifies unannounced devices, and prepares connection information in advance, so when a user wants to control a device, the connection is already ready to be made.
2Ease of operation
If centralized control mechanism is implemented through client device, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The client device is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a media player and a universal remote control for various unannounced devices. By integrating device discovery, connection management, and control functionality into a single client device, the system provides centralized control without requiring separate dedicated control hardware for each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The client device serves as an intermediary between the user and the unannounced devices on the network. It discovers devices automatically, manages connections, and relays control commands, simplifying the interaction model while handling the complexity of network communication and device compatibility in the background.
3Reliability
If security sandbox is used to constrain executable environment, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The security sandbox automatically manages the executable environment for sandboxed applications without requiring user intervention. The system confines applications to isolated environments, automatically handling security constraints and permissions, so users benefit from enhanced security without needing to understand or configure security settings manually.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and system related to zero-configuration remote control of device(s) coupled to a networked media device through a client side device communicatively coupled with the networked media device are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of a client device includes determining that an internet protocol address and a port from an unannounced device is associated with a networked media device. The client device constrains an executable environment in a security sandbox. Then, the client device executes a sandboxed application in the executable environment using a processor and a memory. Next, the client device automatically instantiates a connection between the sandboxed application and the unannounced device associated with the networked media device based on the determination that the internet protocol address of the port from the unannounced device is associated with the networked media device. The unannounced device may utilize a web services interface and/or an infrared remote control interface. The networked media device may utilize an InfraRed (IR) blaster to associate with the unannounced device instead of the internet protocol address and the port when the unannounced device utilizes an infrared remote control interface.