Motion-Controlled Wand Remote for Audiovisual Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless remote control devices for audiovisual home entertainment equipment lack the capability to function purely by motion without buttons and are not encapsulated in a solid plastic shape, limiting their versatility and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A wireless remote control device with a motion sensor that detects movement in three-dimensional space, a processor to generate control signals based on detected movements, and an emitter to transmit these signals wirelessly, allowing for control of audiovisual equipment without physical buttons or a traditional interface, and is encapsulated in a cylindrical plastic housing to resemble a wand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a remote control device uses conventional buttons and interface, then it can control audiovisual equipment effectively, but it cannot achieve pure motion control and lacks aesthetic appeal as a wand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing system with a motion detection system using accelerometers and gyroscopes. The processor interprets gestures such as shaking, rotating, and pointing movements to generate control signals, eliminating the need for physical buttons while maintaining control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control transitions from a static interface with fixed buttons to a dynamic gesture recognition system. The device detects and responds to various motion patterns including shaking for power toggle, rotating for channel selection, and pointing for device selection, making the control method flexible and adaptable.
2Shape
If the remote control is encapsulated in a solid plastic housing to resemble a wand, then it achieves aesthetic appeal and unique shape, but it increases manufacturing complexity and limits internal component arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the battery compartment is integrated within the cylindrical housing structure. The electronic components including motion sensors, processor, and infrared emitter are arranged concentrically and nested within the housing, allowing the compact wand shape while accommodating all necessary components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional flat or boxy remote shapes to a three-dimensional cylindrical wand form. This dimensional change allows for optimized internal component placement along the radial and axial dimensions, with the infrared emitter positioned at one end and the battery compartment at the other, achieving both aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the remote control uses motion sensors and gesture recognition, then it enables buttonless operation, but it increases device complexity and power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single integrated motion detection system that performs multiple functions: detecting shake gestures for power control, rotation gestures for channel selection, pointing gestures for device selection, and tap gestures for menu navigation. This universal gesture recognition system replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate buttons and switches, reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced sensors used.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion sensors continuously monitor device movement and automatically interpret gestures without requiring user input through buttons. The processor autonomously generates control signals based on detected motion patterns, making the device self-serve and eliminating the need for traditional manual controls.
4Shape
If the infrared emitter is hidden within the wand housing, then it reduces visibility of technology and improves aesthetics, but it may affect signal transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the infrared emitter at the distal end of the wand with a localized transparent or translucent window that is invisible or minimally visible from the front. This allows the emitter to be integrated into the aesthetic design while maintaining optimal infrared signal transmission in the forward direction, where the window material is selected to be transparent to infrared wavelengths.
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 remote control of audiovisual equipment using motion gestures, providing a unique and aesthetically pleasing interface that mimics a wand, offering improved user interaction and reduced visibility of infrared technology.
Implementation Method 1
a motion sensor for detecting movement of the device and to generate an output signal in response to the detected movement
Implementation Method 2
an emitter connected to the processor for receiving the control signal and emitting a wireless signal for reception by a receiver in the apparatus to be controlled
Data Source
AI summary
An infrared remote control is encapsulated in a plastic moulding and has no physical controlling buttons or virtual touch screen buttons that uses motion to determine which remote control codes are to be transmitted to adjust the function of home audio visual equipment. The combination of a motion sensor (14) and a computer program running in an onboard microprocessor (15) enables the device to be used in any orientation. The user selects modes and causes the remote control device to broadcast infrared command signals as required to adjust the function of home audiovisual equipment at a distance by moving the device in certain predetermined patterns. The device signals its function to the user by a heartbeat style vibration pattern.