Multi-directional Remote Control Using Camera-Based Position Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional remote controls are inadequate for controlling complex entertainment systems that integrate PC and TV functions, as they lack multi-directional control capabilities, leading to cumbersome navigation of graphical user interfaces and requiring multiple devices, which increases cost and clutter.
Innovation Solution
A remote control system that uses a camera to capture image data from a display, determining position information to provide multi-directional control by detecting distinctive boundaries or markers, allowing for intuitive control of GUIs and menu navigation without the need for separate devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional remote control is used to control complex entertainment systems, then the system is simple to operate, but the control capability is insufficient for GUI navigation and menu control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions (conventional remote control, multi-directional mouse control, and camera-based position detection) into a single integrated remote control device. This merging eliminates the need for separate control devices while providing comprehensive control capability for both traditional TV functions and complex GUI interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can control traditional TV functions using conventional buttons, navigate GUI interfaces using a multi-directional control stick, and detect its position relative to the display using a camera. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple specialized controllers.
2Measurement precision
If a mouse type controller is added to provide multi-directional control, then the control precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring a clean flat surface and two hands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical mouse system (which requires a flat surface and physical movement on the surface) with an optical detection system using a camera. The camera detects the position of distinctive markers on the display to determine remote control orientation and position, eliminating the need for mechanical contact with a surface while maintaining precise control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the controller detect position through physical contact with a surface (mouse on flat surface), the invention inverts the approach by having the controller actively capture images of the display itself. The display becomes the reference frame, and the controller's position is determined by what it sees rather than what it touches.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate control devices are used to provide full control functionality, then the control versatility is improved, but the device complexity and clutter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates three distinct control functionalities into one unified remote control device: conventional button controls for basic TV functions, a multi-directional control stick for GUI navigation, and a camera-based position detection system for intuitive pointing. This consolidation reduces the number of devices from three separate controllers to a single integrated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control is designed as a universal controller that can handle diverse control tasks through its multiple integrated functions. It can control traditional TV operations, navigate complex GUI interfaces, and provide precise pointing control, making it suitable for a wide range of entertainment systems without requiring device-specific controllers.
4Ease of operation
If gyroscopic motion detection is used to provide mouse type control, then the ease of operation is improved, but the cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex gyroscopic sensors and motion detection hardware with a simpler camera-based optical detection system. The camera captures images of distinctive markers on the display, and software processes these images to determine controller position and orientation, achieving similar functionality with lower hardware complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces distinctive markers on the display as an intermediary element that facilitates communication between the remote control and the display system. These markers serve as visual references that the camera can easily detect and track, enabling precise position detection without requiring complex sensors in the remote control.
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
Enables convenient, one-handed navigation of complex entertainment systems by converting remote control motion into precise control inputs, reducing the need for multiple devices and improving user experience with enhanced control flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
capturing image data of the displayed image and display screen using the camera on the remote control
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-directional remote control system and method is adapted for use with an entertainment system of a type including a display such as a monitor or TV and having display functions employing a mouse type control. The remote controller may be conveniently held in one hand of a user and still provides full mouse type functionality. The remote control system and method images the screen of the TV or other display to detect relative motion between the controller and screen. This position information is transmitted to the entertainment system for control of a cursor or other GUI interface.