Depth Camera Infrared Emission for Mobile Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile computing devices, such as smartphones, are unable to control home entertainment devices configured to receive infrared signals due to their lack of an infrared emitter, limiting their functionality in controlling devices like TVs and audio systems.
Innovation Solution
Equipping a mobile computing device with a depth camera that can emit infrared signals to control external devices, allowing it to act as an input device for infrared-receiving devices by converting commands into infrared signals that can be reflected to reach the intended device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile computing device uses standard wireless communication to control home entertainment devices, then wireless control capability is achieved, but compatibility with infrared-receiving devices is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The depth camera is made to perform multiple functions: its primary function for capturing depth information is maintained, but it is also configured to emit infrared signals for remote control purposes. This multi-functionality allows a single device to control both infrared-receiving devices and other wireless devices, resolving the contradiction between control compatibility and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The depth camera acts as an intermediary between the mobile computing device and infrared-receiving devices. Instead of requiring the mobile device to directly emit infrared signals, the depth camera serves as a mediator that can convert wireless commands into infrared signals, enabling compatibility without requiring the mobile device to have infrared emission capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If a mobile computing device lacks an infrared emitter, then device simplicity is maintained, but ability to control infrared-receiving devices is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The depth camera is made to perform multiple functions: its primary function for capturing depth information is maintained, but it is also configured to emit infrared signals for remote control purposes. This multi-functionality allows a single device to control both infrared-receiving devices and other wireless devices, resolving the contradiction between control compatibility and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The depth camera utilizes its existing infrared illumination capabilities for depth measurement to also serve the additional function of emitting infrared control signals. This self-service approach allows the device to provide remote control functionality without requiring separate dedicated infrared emission hardware, maintaining ease of operation while avoiding additional hardware complexity.
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 mobile devices to wirelessly control infrared-receiving devices, expanding their capabilities and simplifying the number of control devices needed, even when they cannot emit infrared signals directly.
Implementation Method 1
a depth camera configured to emit infrared light to image a physical space
Implementation Method 2
infrared light reflected off objects in the physical space and received by the depth camera
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments for using a depth camera to emit remote control signals are provided. In one example embodiment, a depth camera includes an infrared light to emit infrared light at a physical space, an infrared camera to receive infrared light from the physical space, an imaging interface to output a depth map derived from the infrared light, and a control interface to receive an instruction indicating a remote control signal to emit from the infrared light.