Hand Motion Remote Control for Dark Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional remote controllers are inadequate for controlling modern electronic appliances, particularly in dark environments, as they require manual pointing operations and are not flexible enough to handle the variety of functions and networked devices, leading to user inconvenience and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
An electronic appliance system that includes a video camera, mirror image converter, operation image generator, mixer, detector, and controller, which uses light emitting and infrared signals to detect hand motions and execute corresponding control operations, allowing for remote control in dark environments and simplifying the operation of multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a video camera is used to detect hand motions for remote control, then the convenience of operation is improved, but the system cannot function in dark environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two detection systems: a video camera for detecting hand motions in normal lighting conditions, and an infrared sensor for detecting infrared light emissions in dark environments. This merging allows the remote control system to function across all lighting conditions, resolving the contradiction between operational convenience and dark environment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting both video-based hand motion detection and infrared-based detection. This multi-functionality ensures the system can adapt to different environmental conditions, particularly addressing the limitation of video cameras in dark environments while maintaining ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional remote controllers are used for controlling multiple networked devices, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to various functions and devices decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal remote control system that can control multiple networked devices through a single device. The system detects hand motions and translates them into control signals that can operate various devices such as televisions, audio equipment, and data broadcasting receivers, eliminating the need for multiple specialized remote controllers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system acts as an intermediary between the user and multiple networked devices. By capturing hand motions and converting them into standardized control signals, the system mediates control across different device types and protocols, providing versatile functionality while maintaining simplicity for the user.
3Measurement precision
If pointing operations like personal computer mice are used for remote control, then the precision of selection is improved, but the ease of operation decreases for users unfamiliar with personal computers
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows users to control devices using their natural hand motions without requiring knowledge of personal computer operations. The video camera captures and interprets intuitive hand movements, enabling users to perform precise selections based on their own motor skills rather than learned PC mouse techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical mouse pointing system with a video-based hand motion detection system. This substitution eliminates the need for users to learn PC-specific mouse operations while maintaining selection precision through optical tracking of natural hand movements in space.
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 flexible and convenient remote control of electronic appliances in dark environments, simplifies operations by using hand motions, and increases the range of possible operations through combined light emission patterns and colors, improving usability and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared sensor that senses infrared information from infrared light emitting means
Data Source
AI summary
A video camera picks up an image of an operator. The picked-up image is subjected to a mirror image conversion. An image for operation, including operation buttons and the operator's image that is subjected to the mirror image conversion are mixed and displayed on a screen of a television receiver. The operator selects a desired operation button by using a universal remote controller with light emitting portions, and executes the operation on the screen. A detecting portion in the television receiver detects which operation button is operated, and executes a control operation corresponding to the operated operation button.