Controller Orientation Sensing for Multi-Device Control Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current solutions for managing device controls are cumbersome and confusing, failing to provide efficient means for controlling multiple user devices using a single control device.

Innovation Solution

The use of orientation and location elements, such as a compass and global positioning system, to automatically identify and select user devices for control, along with contextual information inference to establish and activate control relationships between a controller and user devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional control devices with pre-defined inputs and buttons are used, then device control functionality is provided, but the system becomes cumbersome and confusing when managing multiple user devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to control multiple user devicesVSAvoidcomplexity of control management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical control interfaces (physical buttons and inputs) with automated sensor-based detection systems. The controller uses sensors to automatically detect and identify user devices, eliminating the need for manual device selection and simplifying control of multiple devices through automatic rather than mechanical interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller automatically performs device identification and connection establishment without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by using sensor data to autonomously determine which device to control, reducing the complexity burden on the user while maintaining versatility across multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If manual device selection methods are used, then control relationships can be established, but the user experience becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of establishing control relationshipsVSAvoidtime to identify and connect with device

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary device identification and connection establishment automatically before the user needs to control the device. Sensors continuously detect available devices and pre-establish control relationships, so when the user wants to control a device, the work is already done, eliminating manual selection steps and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller uses sensor feedback to automatically identify which device the user intends to control based on spatial orientation and proximity. This feedback mechanism continuously monitors the environment and automatically adjusts device selection, making operation easier and faster without requiring manual device identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20220317638A1Systems and methods for controlling devices

Publication Date: 2022.10.06 COMCAST CABLE COMM LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods for managing device controls are disclosed. One method can comprise determining an orientation of a controller and comparing the orientation of the controller and an activation orientation. If the orientation of the controller substantially matches the activation orientation, a control relationship between the controller and the user device may be automatically activated, and if the orientation of the controller does not substantially match the activation orientation, control options to a user of the controller.