Gesture Control System for Terminal Devices via Surface Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for terminal devices require multiple remote controllers, are often misplaced, and struggle with background noise interference in voice recognition, and integration into furniture increases costs and affects aesthetics, while also being inaccessible to users with disabilities.
Innovation Solution
A control system that converts any independent mounting surface into a controller using a housing with sensors and a microcontroller, allowing users to switch between idle and ready modes and control terminal devices like TVs or lights via gestures such as knocking, without the need for manual switches or touch-sensitive regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple remote control devices are used to control different terminal devices, then each terminal device can be controlled, but the number of controllers increases and they are often misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal controller that can control multiple terminal devices through a single interface. The system uses a touchscreen display that can identify and control different devices (TV, audio system, lighting) through touch gestures, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated remote controls while maintaining full control capability across all terminal devices
2Ease of operation
If voice recognition technology is used to control terminal devices, then hands-free control is achieved, but background noise interferes with recognition accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary touchscreen interface that mediates between the user and the terminal devices. Instead of relying directly on voice recognition which is susceptible to background noise, the system uses touch gestures on the touchscreen as an intermediate control method that is not affected by acoustic interference, while still providing hands-free operation capabilities through gesture recognition
3Adaptability or versatility
If touchscreen control is integrated into furniture, then remote control functionality is achieved, but the cost and aesthetic appearance are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into a separate, modular touchscreen unit that can be independently manufactured and positioned. Rather than integrating the touchscreen directly into furniture structures (which would require costly custom manufacturing), the system uses a standalone touchscreen display that can be placed on existing furniture surfaces, maintaining aesthetic appearance while providing remote control functionality
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional remote controls are used, then control functionality is provided, but accessibility for users with disabilities is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control interfaces that adapt to different user needs. The touchscreen system recognizes various gesture types (touch, tap, swipe, prolonged press) and can adjust its responsiveness and required gesture complexity based on the user's capabilities, making the control system accessible to users with different physical abilities while maintaining full control functionality
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 users of all physical abilities to control terminal devices without touching the appliance, reduces power consumption by switching modes based on gestures, and provides alerts for ready mode activation, improving accessibility and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor forms an interactive zone defined by a range of the sensor. The sensor detects contact interactions associated with the mounting surface as data signals
Implementation Method 2
The sensor detects contact interactions (knocks, taps) on the mounting surface by sensing vibrations or acoustic waves
Data Source
AI summary
A control system includes a housing engaged to a mounting surface, a sensor contained within the housing, a microcontroller unit connected to the sensor, a server in communication with the sensor, and a terminal device in communication with the server. The system starts in an idle mode with the microcontroller having low power consumption. A gesture by a user associated with the mounting surface switches or toggles the operating mode of the control system into a ready mode. In the ready mode, the microcontroller has higher power consumption so as to connect the sensor to the server, and gestures by the user associated with the mounting surface can control the terminal device. The system alerts the switch in operating mode and filters background environment so only gestures are interpreted for switching operation mode or for issuing commands of the terminal device.