Gesture-Based Remote Control Using Motion Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional remote controls often have complex user interfaces due to numerous features, making them inconvenient for users to operate consumer electronic devices effectively.

Innovation Solution

A gesture-based remote control system that uses a processor, wireless transceiver, motion detector, and memory media to convert user gestures into executable commands for remote-controlled devices, allowing for simplified and flexible operation through translation and rotation motions, along with audio feedback for user interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If numerous features are implemented on a remote control, then the functionality is improved, but the user interface becomes complex and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiduser interface convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical buttons and physical controls with gesture-based controls using motion sensors. Users perform gestures in the air to control device functions, eliminating the need for complex physical button layouts while maintaining comprehensive functionality. The motion sensor detects gestures and converts them into control commands, providing a simplified interface that doesn't require numerous physical controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If traditional buttons and controls are used, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation from a distance is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote operation convenienceVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces motion sensors as an intermediary between the user and the controlled device. These sensors detect gestures in the air and translate them into control commands, serving as a mediator that enables remote operation without requiring direct contact with physical buttons. This intermediary layer adds functionality for distance-based control while managing system complexity through software-based gesture recognition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The system provides a simplified user interface for controlling devices by interpreting gesture motions as remote control commands, enhancing user convenience and flexibility while maintaining bidirectional communication for command execution and acknowledgement.

Implementation Method 1

the sensing may further include determining a spatial acceleration of the RC

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpatial acceleration detection: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS8854557B2Gesture-based remote control

Publication Date: 2014.10.07 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

A method and system for operating a remote-controlled device using a gesture-enabled remote control (RC) includes activating a communication link between the RC and the remote-controlled device. The remote-controlled device may implement a remote control context accommodating gesture commands generated by the RC. The RC may enable a user to generate gesture commands by performing gesture motions with the RC. Command data corresponding to gesture commands, along with selection commands from selection control inputs on the RC, may be sent to the remote-controlled device.