Remote Control Camera Estimating Features Using Noise Light Points

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote control systems face challenges in accurately estimating control features due to the presence of stray light points from noise sources, which are difficult to filter and eliminate effectively.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a camera to detect light points from both beacons and non-beacons, using information from both sources to improve estimation of control features by processing data across time-intervals, allowing for the inclusion of additional information to compensate for missing data and enhance accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If filtering and elimination methods are used to remove noise light points, then measurement precision may improve, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of control feature estimationVSAvoidcomplexity of filtering system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful noise light points into beneficial information sources by using them as reference points for estimating control features. Instead of attempting to filter out all non-beacon light points through complex algorithms, the system recognizes that these noise sources can serve as additional reference points, thereby transforming the problem from noise elimination to noise utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts only the essential geometric relationship information from light points (position, distance, orientation) while discarding the need to identify or classify the source type of each light point. This extraction approach simplifies the system by focusing solely on the spatial information needed for control feature estimation, rather than attempting to distinguish between beacon and non-beacon sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Measurement precision

If complex filtering algorithms are implemented to eliminate stray light, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time increases due to extensive processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of control feature estimationVSAvoidprocessing time for light point filtering
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the time-consuming filtering process by converting noise light points into useful reference points. This approach removes the need for extensive processing to distinguish between valid and invalid light sources, as all light points can be utilized for estimation purposes, thereby significantly reducing processing time while maintaining or improving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of filtering out noise as traditionally done, the patent inverts the approach by accepting and utilizing all light points including noise sources. This inversion eliminates the filtering step entirely and directly uses all detected light points for control feature estimation, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If only beacon light points are used for estimation, then reliability of beacon detection is maintained, but loss of information occurs when beacons are temporarily undetectable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of beacon detectionVSAvoidmissing data when beacon is undetectable
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts noise light points into beneficial reference points that can compensate for missing beacon data. When beacons are temporarily undetectable, the system can continue estimation using noise light points as substitutes, thereby preventing information loss while maintaining the reliability of the detection system through diverse reference point utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter set used for estimation by incorporating noise light points alongside or instead of beacon light points. This parameter change allows the system to maintain continuous operation and avoid information loss when beacon detection fails, as the estimator can switch to or supplement with noise light point data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach reduces the need for extensive filtering and eliminates noise, improving the estimation of control features by utilizing information from non-beacon light points, leading to more robust and accurate control signal processing.

Implementation Method 1

a camera (11) for detecting at least one light point (51, 52, 61, 62)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Light

Data Source

PatentEP2678847B1Estimating control feature from remote control with camera
Publication Date: 2020.07.01 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP2678847B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2678847B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2678847B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

An apparatus (1) estimates control features of remote controls (10) comprising cameras (11) for detecting light points (51, 52) from beacons (31, 32)located at or near devices (20) that are to be controlled via the remote controls (10) by letting the cameras (11) further detect light points (61, 62) from non-beacons (41, 42). Processors (2) estimate the control features in response to information from the detections of the light points (51, 52, 61, 62). The non-beacons (41, 42) comprise noise sources or any other sources different from the beacons (31, 32). Memories (3) store per time-interval the information per detection. The light coming from the beacons (31, 32) may be modulated light and the light coming from the non-beacons (41, 42) may be other light. The information may comprise coordinates, sizes and intensities of light points (51, 52, 61, 62) per detection and per time-interval. The control feature may comprise a pointing position, a distance, a rotation, a tilt, a location, a speed, an acceleration, a movement and/or a zoom of the remote control (10).