Mobile Device Virtual Region Control for Digital Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional universal remote controls are complex to use and lack features for fast access to specific functions, especially when controlling multiple digital devices without displays, and existing IoT systems face challenges in implementing quick modes for efficient function execution.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device controls multiple digital devices by defining virtual regions for quick mode access, where pointing signals trigger specific functions, allowing for fast execution of desired operations without the need for complex button navigation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a universal remote control is used to control multiple digital devices, then the ability to control various devices is improved, but the operation complexity increases and time to execute specific functions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to control multiple digital devicesVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control interface is segmented into multiple virtual regions, each corresponding to a specific function or device. When the mobile device points at a digital device, different regions in the virtual space trigger different functions (e.g., power on/off, volume control, channel selection), eliminating the need to navigate through complex menus for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a spatial dimension to the control interface by creating a virtual region map that corresponds to the physical device. Instead of using a traditional 2D remote control layout with multiple buttons, the system projects control functions into a virtual 3D space that the mobile device can point at, transforming button pressing into pointing gestures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional remote control navigation is used, then all functions can be accessed, but the time to execute specific functions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to all functionsVSAvoidtime to execute specific functions
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-establishes a virtual region map that corresponds to the digital device's functions before the user needs to control it. The mapping between physical device features and virtual control regions is prepared in advance, so when the user points the mobile device at the target, the corresponding function can be executed immediately without navigating through menus or multiple steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If detailed control options are provided for each function, then functionality is improved, but the interface complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device serves as a universal controller for multiple digital devices with different functions. By using pointing gestures toward virtual regions, a single mobile device can control various functions (power, volume, channel, etc.) of different devices without requiring separate remote controls or complex device-specific interfaces, achieving multi-functionality through a unified control method.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3402173B1Digital device and method for controlling digital device
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3402173B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3402173B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3402173B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for controlling a mobile device capable of communicating with a digital device comprises the steps of: transmitting a first pointing signal to a first virtual region; displaying an identification (ID) capable of identifying the digital device positioned in the first virtual region; transmitting a second pointing signal to a second virtual region; and transmitting, to the digital device, a command for executing a specific function of the digital device, with reference to a memory.