Mobile terminal and method for controlling camera-mounted external device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile terminals lack intuitive control methods for external devices, as users struggle to understand specific icons for controlling home appliances and other devices, making it difficult to manage these devices effectively.
Innovation Solution
A mobile terminal with a wireless communication unit, display unit, and controller that receives images from an external device's camera, allowing users to adjust the camera's capturing range and switch to a control screen by touch input, providing intuitive control over external devices through a user-friendly interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the mobile terminal outputs unique icons for controlling each home appliance, then the control function is provided, but the user cannot intuitively sense such icons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the camera to capture and display a real-time image of the external device, replacing traditional abstract icons with a visual copy of the actual device appearance. This allows users to intuitively recognize the device being controlled through its visual representation on the display unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent overlays transparent color-coded regions on the captured image to indicate different controllable areas or functions of the external device. Different colors represent different control zones, providing intuitive visual feedback while maintaining the recognizability of the device's actual appearance.
2Area of stationary object
If the camera capturing range is expanded to show more of the external device, then the user can see more details, but the control precision for specific areas decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the captured image into multiple controllable regions by overlaying transparent color-coded areas on different parts of the external device. Each region corresponds to a specific controllable function or area, allowing users to precisely control specific parts while maintaining a wide overall view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a visual dimension to control precision by using color-coded transparent overlays on the 2D display. This allows users to distinguish and select specific control areas through visual cues without reducing the overall capturing range, effectively adding information density to the existing spatial dimension.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mobile terminal provides separate control methods for each external device, then the control functionality is complete, but the operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control interface that works with multiple different external devices through a single camera-based system. Instead of requiring separate control methods for each device type, the system uses the camera to capture and display the actual device appearance, providing a unified and adaptable control approach that reduces operational complexity while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a mobile terminal comprising: a wireless communication unit for receiving an image acquired by a camera mounted on an external device; a display unit for outputting the image and receiving a first touch input that is continuously applied for transmitting a wireless signal for changing the capturing range of the camera; and a control unit for switching the image to a control screen for receiving a second touch input for controlling the external device when the capturing range of the camera based on the first touch input reaches a preset limited range. The control unit controls the display unit to switch the image to the control screen in a continuous manner on the basis of the direction of the continuous first touch input.