Universal Remote as the World

Universal Remote

As the world becomes more wired, the users of technology are demanding more ways to go wireless. Wireless networking, wireless home theater systems, and wireless telephones are only the beginning. Smart appliances and home security systems also depend on wireless technologies. Consumers already have access to a wealth of wireless functionality, but we have yet to create a fully functional remote control system that links all our wireless technologies together. The more technology we use, the more important it becomes to link them together, organize them, and eliminate the confusion that comes with having ten different remote controls scattered around the house. Beyond the universal remotes that come with home theater systems, the proposed universal remote will control all the wireless technologies we use including keyless entry on cars, "smart" home appliances, computers, phones, and stereos. The film Click explored the concept of a multi-function remote in a humorous way. This proposal will illustrate how universal remotes can become a reality. Especially for people who spend a lot of time away from home, or for people whose homes are large or multi-storied, a multifunction universal remote control would reduce stress and greatly increase our quality of life.

Motivation

This project is motivated by what I perceive as a clear lack of product innovation. No company has offered a truly universal remote that can be used to control all the products in our home including lights, appliances, and garage doors. As more and more new homes are built with smart technologies, the need for a universal remote becomes even more important. Furthermore, many people have keyless entry for their vehicles and a universal remote can cover that too. The universal remote can even be taken into the car, allowing the user to control his or her appliances even while away from home. Being able to turn lights off would help save energy.

The film Click also inspired the idea for this project. Unlike the one in Click, however, this universal remote will not allow the consumer to control time or other people. However, it will allow all people to control their environments better. The universal remotes that come with stereo receivers or home theater systems are confined to the products they were sold with. Third-party universal remotes are often flawed, not allowing for enough customized features. Universal remotes must become fully programmable. I suggest that the best way to create fully programmable universal remotes is to design special software that permits firmware updates and embeds those updates directly onto the universal remote.

Unfortunately, a universal remote cannot be all things to all people. A universal remote cannot arrange a remote-controlled cleanup of dog poop or kitty litter. The universal remote won't take the dog for its evening walk either. Unlike Michael's universal remote in Click, a universal remote will not let people go forward and backward in time. However, the universal remote will change our daily lives.

One problem with existing remote controls is that they are poorly designed. The universal remotes currently available are too cluttered with buttons. Some controls do not work with some systems. The currently proposed product takes care of the clutter problem by working with software interfaces. Furthermore, the proposed remote control is fully customizable by the consumer. More than one universal remote can be programmed with the same parameters to allow several users in one household to have the same set of controls. Alternatively, two users in the same household can customize their own remotes. For example, parents might not want their children to be able to access their car keyless remote.

Project Summary

First we will gather a team of engineers to help in the research and development phase. We will need software engineers as well as hardware engineers. Engineers will help design the product for full functionality as well as ergonomics. Next, we will need to propose a standardization system that allows our remote control to be used with any applicable technology. Industry standardizations may be necessary at this phase. Finally, we will work with experts in the field of marketing to best determine issues like packaging and product placement.

Project Details