Camera Pointing Device Dynamic Control Area Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Controlling consumer electronics devices from a distance is challenging due to the need for precise hand coordination and the complexity of on-screen menu navigation, often requiring multiple remote controls and intuitive button recognition, which can be difficult for users, especially at larger distances.

Innovation Solution

A method and system using a pointing device with a camera that generates images of a target area, processes them to determine the target point, and adapts a virtual control area to the user's distance and situation, allowing precise control point positioning and interaction beyond typical hand coordination limits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a pointing device is used to control a device from a distance, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to hand jitter and unconscious movements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidmeasurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control area is dynamically adjusted based on the distance between the pointing device and the command area. When the distance increases, the control area is enlarged to compensate for hand jitter and maintain control precision. This dynamic adaptation allows users to operate from varying distances while preserving measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The size parameter of the control area is changed according to the distance parameter. By adjusting the control area size based on distance, the system maintains optimal interaction precision regardless of how far the user is from the command area, effectively compensating for the deterioration in measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the distance to the command area increases, then the ease of operation is improved, but the control precision deteriorates due to the small angular range

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidcontrol precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control area size is dynamically adjusted based on the distance between the pointing device and the command area. When distance increases, the control area is enlarged to maintain a sufficient angular range for accurate control, preventing the deterioration of control precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from fixed two-dimensional control to dynamic three-dimensional control by incorporating distance as an additional dimension. This allows the control area to expand or contract based on the user's position, maintaining control precision across varying distances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If a single remote control is used to control multiple devices, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for explicit device selection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pointing device automatically determines which device to control by detecting the command area in the target image. The system performs self-service by autonomously identifying the target device based on the captured image, eliminating the need for users to manually select devices and improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual device selection mechanism is replaced with an automated image recognition system. Instead of mechanically pressing device selection buttons, the system uses computer vision to automatically identify and switch between devices, improving ease of operation while maintaining low device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Manufacturing precision

If the control area is enlarged to compensate for distance, then the control precision is maintained, but the area required for interaction increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidcontrol area

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The control area size is dynamically adjusted based on the distance between the pointing device and the command area. When distance increases, the control area is enlarged to maintain control precision. When distance decreases, the control area is reduced to its normal size, minimizing the interaction area and preventing unnecessary expansion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8994656B2Method of controlling a control point position on a command area and method for control of a device

Publication Date: 2015.03.31 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

The invention describes a method of controlling a position (x′, y′) of a control point (c) on a command area (ACM). This method comprises the steps of:aiming a pointing device (1) comprising a camera (2) in the direction of the command area (ACM);generating an image (I) of a target area (AI) aimed at by the pointing device;processing the target area image (I) to determine a target point (T) at which the pointing device (1) is aimed;determining position (x′, y′) of the control point (C) according to the position (x, y) of the target point (T) within a currently defined control area (ACT), which control area (Acr) includes at least partially the command area (ACM).Moreover the invention describes an adequate system and a pointing device (1) for controlling a control point position (P) on a command area (ACM).