Image Recognition Remote Control Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Programming a universal remote control is a time-consuming process that requires users to know specific details about the devices to be controlled and involves complex steps such as infrared signal learning, making it cumbersome to manage multiple devices.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that use image recognition to identify user input interfaces on media playback devices, determining a code library associated with the interface, and transmitting it to a mobile device, allowing the mobile device to control the media playback device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional programming methods are used for universal remote control, then the remote control can be programmed to control multiple devices, but the programming process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to control multiple devicesVSAvoidprogramming time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses image recognition to capture and copy the visual appearance of the target device's interface. By analyzing images of the device's buttons, labels, and layout, the system automatically generates control code without requiring manual programming, thus reducing programming time while maintaining the ability to control multiple devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/manual programming process with an automated optical recognition system. Instead of requiring users to manually input device information or perform complex programming sequences, the system uses image capture and processing to automatically identify and program control parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional programming methods are used for universal remote control, then the remote control can be programmed to control multiple devices, but the user interface becomes complex and difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to control multiple devicesVSAvoiduser interface simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically identifying the target device through image recognition and generating the appropriate control interface. The system analyzes the captured image, extracts device information, and configures the remote control settings without requiring user intervention in the programming process, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining multi-device compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a visual copy of the target device's interface by capturing images and replicating the button layout, labels, and functionality in the remote control's user interface. This copying approach ensures that the remote control's interface mirrors the original device's interface, making it intuitive and easy to operate while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If detailed device information is required for programming, then the remote control can accurately control the device, but the user must know significant details about the device manufacturer and model

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol accuracyVSAvoidinformation requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts visual information from images of the device's interface and uses this copied information to automatically determine device characteristics. By analyzing the visual appearance, labels, and layout captured in images, the system infers device manufacturer and model information without requiring users to manually provide these details, thus reducing information requirements while maintaining control accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual information entry with automated optical recognition and analysis. Instead of requiring users to input device details, the system uses image capture and processing algorithms to automatically extract and interpret device information, reducing the complexity of information requirements while ensuring accurate device identification and control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 programming process by allowing users to capture images of remote controls or other input interfaces, enabling the mobile device to automatically learn and control various media devices with reduced user input and effort.

Implementation Method 1

receiving an image of a user input interface associated with a media playback device; identifying the user input interface from a plurality of user input interfaces based on image recognition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImage recognition:

Data Source

PatentUS11144274B2Methods, systems, and media for providing a remote control interface
Publication Date: 2021.10.12 GOOGLE LLC
  • US11144274B2 patent drawing
  • US11144274B2 patent drawing
  • US11144274B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In accordance with some implementations of the disclosed subject matter, mechanisms for providing a remote control interface are provided. In some implementations, a method for providing a remote control interface is provided, the method comprising: receiving an image of a user input interface associated with a media playback device; identifying the user input interface from a plurality of user input interfaces based on image recognition; determining a code library associated with the identified user input interface; and transmitting the code library to a mobile device that provided the image of the user input interface, wherein the code library allows a mobile device to control the media playback device.