Handheld Device Gesture Remote Control via Touch Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional universal remote controls are cumbersome due to numerous buttons, requiring users to focus on the device while operating it, and are typically limited to a specific location, making them difficult to use for controlling multiple devices without cluttering the user interface.
Innovation Solution
A handheld electronic device with touch-sensitive displays and wireless communications capabilities that recognizes gestures to control media systems using RF or infrared signals, allowing users to control devices remotely without dedicated buttons, and provides confirmatory information for peripheral vision use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional universal remote controls are designed to control multiple devices, then device versatility is improved, but the number of buttons increases making the device complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld electronic device performs multiple functions including media player, cellular telephone, and remote control operations. A single device replaces multiple dedicated devices, allowing control of various media systems without requiring separate remote controls for each function or device type
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses visual display of remote control commands on the handheld device screen as a copy or representation of the control interface. Users can see the commands they are sending to the media system, providing a visual interface that replaces physical buttons while maintaining control functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional remote controls have many buttons to control multiple devices, then device versatility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as users must focus on the remote control device
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld device's display screen acts as an intermediary between the user and the media system. Instead of directly manipulating physical buttons on a remote control, users interact with visual representations of controls on the screen, which then translates these interactions into remote control signals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing system with a touch-sensitive display interface. Users tap or interact with the screen to send commands, eliminating the need for numerous physical buttons while maintaining the ability to control multiple devices and functions
3Measurement precision
If conventional remote controls are dedicated to specific locations, then control precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as the device cannot be used remotely
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides visual feedback on the handheld device display showing the remote control commands being sent to the media system. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate control by allowing users to verify what commands are being transmitted, maintaining control precision while enabling remote operation
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld electronic device combines media playback, cellular communication, and remote control functions in a single universal device. This allows the device to function as a remote control from any location where the user has line of sight to the media system, eliminating location-specific limitations
4Ease of operation
If a touch-sensitive display is used for gesture recognition, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The gesture recognition processing is merged with the existing media player and cellular telephone processing capabilities of the handheld device. The same processor that handles media playback and communication tasks also processes gesture data from the touch-sensitive display, eliminating the need for separate dedicated processing hardware
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 intuitive, clutter-free remote control of multiple devices using gestures, allowing users to control media systems from a distance while maintaining the device's primary functions, such as phone or music player operations, with visual confirmation of commands.
Implementation Method 1
The handheld electronic device may remotely control a media system using radio-frequency signals or infrared signals generated by the wireless communications circuitry
Implementation Method 2
The handheld electronic device may remotely control a media system using radio-frequency signals or infrared signals generated by the wireless communications circuitry
Data Source
AI summary
Handheld electronic devices are provided that have remote control functionality and gesture recognition features. The handheld electronic device may have remote control functionality in addition to cellular telephone, music player, or handheld computer functionality. The handheld electronic devices may have a touch sensitive display screen. The handheld electronic devices may recognize gestures performed by a user on the touch sensitive display screen. The handheld electronic devices may generate remote control signals from gestures that the handheld electronic device may recognize. A media system may receive the remote control signals and may take appropriate action. The touch sensitive display screen may be used to present the user with information about the media system such as the current volume.