Multi-Sided Remote Control Orientation Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote control devices face challenges in efficiently managing multiple functions and orientations, leading to visual clutter and inefficient use of infrared transmission, particularly when requiring text entry or complex appliance control.
Innovation Solution
A multi-sided remote control device with a housing featuring two or more sides of activable key elements, integrated infrared transmitters, and an orientation sensor that selects the appropriate transmitter based on the device's orientation and user input, allowing for efficient command transmission across various orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple infrared transmitters are provided on different sides of the remote control, then the device can operate in various orientations, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects which infrared transmitter to activate based on the detected orientation of the remote control. The processing device receives orientation data from the sensor and automatically switches between transmitters accordingly, making the system adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control automatically determines its own orientation using the integrated sensor and selects the appropriate transmitter without user intervention. The system self-configures based on physical orientation, eliminating the need for manual mode switching.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple infrared transmitters are provided on different sides of the remote control, then the device can operate in various orientations, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects which infrared transmitter to activate based on the detected orientation of the remote control. The processing device receives orientation data from the sensor and automatically switches between transmitters accordingly, making the system adaptive rather than static.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all infrared transmitters are activated simultaneously, then all functions are available in all orientations, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects which infrared transmitter to activate based on the detected orientation of the remote control. The processing device receives orientation data from the sensor and automatically switches between transmitters accordingly, making the system adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of activating all transmitters simultaneously, the system activates only the transmitter necessary for the current orientation. This partial action approach uses only the required subset of transmitters, reducing energy consumption while maintaining full functionality when needed.
4Ease of operation
If multiple keypads are distributed across multiple surfaces, then visual clutter is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keypad functionality is segmented across multiple surfaces of the remote control. Different sets of buttons are placed on different sides, allowing functions to be physically separated and reducing visual clutter on any single surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a two-dimensional keypad layout to a three-dimensional multi-surface configuration. By utilizing the vertical and lateral dimensions of the remote control body, multiple keypads are distributed across different surfaces and orientations.
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 seamless operation across multiple orientations, reduces visual clutter, and optimizes infrared signal transmission by using only necessary transmitters, enhancing user experience and device functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor, coupled to the processing device, for generating the received signal whereby the processing device uses the received signal to select the single one of the first IR transmitter and the second IR transmitter, wherein the sensor comprises an orientation sensor
Implementation Method 2
causes the selected single one of the first IR transmitter and the second IR transmitter to generate an IR transmission signal
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi- -sided controlling device automatically makes keys on one or more sides of the controlling device active as a function of an operating mode of the controlling device. One or more sides of such a multi-sided controlling device may also have at least one keycap behind which is positioned an IR transmitter usable when another side of the controlling device is active.