Acoustic Remote Control for Minimal Effort Operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote control systems for home appliances are difficult for users with disabilities to operate, require significant mental and physical effort, and are prone to errors, especially in a bedroom environment where minimal effort is needed to avoid alertness and avoid disturbing others.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a detector, processor, and sensor that defines interaction zones based on the user's position and posture, allowing users to control devices with minimal effort by moving body limbs within these zones, reducing the need for physical movement and minimizing false activations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional remote control devices are used, then device control functionality is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates for users with disabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical button pressing with acoustic wave-based control. The acoustic remote control device transmits control signals through sound waves that can be detected by a microphone in the target device, eliminating the need for physical button pressing and making the system accessible to users with motor disabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium to transfer control signals. Instead of direct mechanical contact or line-of-sight infrared transmission, sound waves serve as the mediator that can penetrate obstacles and be detected without precise aiming, improving ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If traditional remote controls are used in bedroom environment, then device control is possible, but mental and physical effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic remote control device allows users to prepare control commands in advance by simply speaking or making sounds, without needing to physically navigate through menus or press multiple buttons. The system can recognize patterns and execute predefined functions, reducing the time and effort required for device control.
3Ease of operation
If small remote control devices are used, then portability is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates for physically disabled users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical handheld remote control with an acoustic signal generation system. Instead of requiring users to hold and manipulate a physical device, the system uses the user's voice or body sounds as the control interface, completely eliminating the weight and handling burden.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex remote control interfaces are used, then device functionality is enhanced, but ease of operation deteriorates for visually impaired users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual display interfaces with acoustic signal transmission. Control commands are transmitted through sound waves that do not require visual interpretation, making the system inherently accessible to visually impaired users while maintaining full device functionality.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method and system for controlling (210) at least one device. The device is controlled by sensing (208) at least one movement or presence of the user within at least one zone. The location of the zone being defined (202, 206) on the basis of the detected position of the user and updated (206) upon changes in position of the user being detected.