Gesture-Triggered Universal Remote Control Programming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Universal remote controls (URCs) are often difficult to reconfigure and reprogram, lacking a user-friendly method for establishing connections with remote-controlled devices.

Innovation Solution

A URC system that detects gesture motions to establish a wireless communication link with remote-controlled devices, receives device information, and programs itself based on user input, using a processor, motion sensor, near field transceiver, and memory media to enable control of various devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional manual programming methods are used for URCs, then the device can be configured to control different equipment, but the reconfiguration and reprogramming process becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAbility to control different equipmentVSAvoidDifficulty of reconfiguration and reprogramming

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical programming operations with automatic wireless communication and gesture-based control. The motion sensor detects gestures to trigger programming mode, and the near field transceiver automatically establishes wireless connections with remote-controlled devices, eliminating the need for manual code entry and device searching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The URC automatically performs device discovery, connection establishment, and programming code reception without user intervention. The system self-configures by receiving programming information from the remote-controlled device through wireless communication, making the reprogramming process effortless for users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual programming methods are used, then device configuration is possible, but the process lacks user-friendliness and convenience

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDevice configuration capabilityVSAvoidUser-friendliness of connection establishment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces gesture recognition as an intermediary between user intent and device programming. The motion sensor acts as a mediator that translates simple physical gestures into programming mode activation, making the interaction more intuitive and user-friendly than traditional button-press methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual navigation through programming menus with automatic gesture-triggered programming. The near field transceiver automatically manages the connection establishment process with remote-controlled devices, eliminating the need for users to manually search for or select devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If traditional programming approaches are used, then remote control functionality can be established, but the process is time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRemote control functionalityVSAvoidTime required for programming

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system prepares for programming by continuously monitoring for gesture inputs and maintaining readiness to establish wireless connections. When a gesture is detected, the URC immediately transitions to programming mode and automatically initiates device discovery, eliminating delays associated with manual mode switching and device searching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The URC automatically manages the entire programming sequence including gesture detection, wireless connection establishment, programming information reception, and configuration storage. This self-service approach eliminates time-consuming manual operations and accelerates the programming process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Simplifies the configuration of URCs by allowing users to easily select and program remote-controlled devices through intuitive gesture-based interactions, enhancing flexibility and convenience in controlling multiple devices.

Implementation Method 1

A URC system that detects gesture motions to establish a wireless communication link

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMotion detection: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

establishing a wireless communication link with a remote-controlled device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear field communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8665075B2Gesture-initiated remote control programming

Publication Date: 2014.03.04 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

A method and system for configuring a universal remote control (URC) to control a remote-controlled device includes establishing a communication link between the URC and the remote-controlled device in response to detecting a gesture motion of the URC. Device information may be received from the remote-controlled device and used by the URC to program the URC to control the remote-controlled device. The URC may be configured to control a plurality of remote-controlled devices. The communication link may be a near field wireless communication link.