Networked Sensor Device for Cloud-Based Video Entertainment Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current entertainment systems are limited by the need for local hardware and software updates, high installation costs, and inability to support multiple users or touch-free control, as they rely on specific game consoles and processing units that are not easily adaptable for large audiences or remote access.
Innovation Solution
A computer-controlled video entertainment system with a sensor device that connects directly to an IP-based network to transmit user input data to remote cloud servers for processing, eliminating the need for local hardware and allowing multiple users to interact with high-definition entertainment programs using touch-free natural inputs like gestures and speech, with updates managed centrally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a local game console or computer is used for processing sensor signals, then the system can control entertainment programs locally, but the system cannot be easily updated or upgraded and requires high local hardware investment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the processing function from the local device and moves it to a remote server. The sensor device only performs basic signal detection and transmission, while the complex processing, rendering, and game logic are handled by remote servers, eliminating the need for powerful local hardware and enabling easy centralized updates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network connection as an intermediary between the simple sensor device and the remote processing servers. This intermediary enables communication and data exchange, allowing the system to leverage remote computing power while keeping the local device simple
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensor devices are connected to a single game console, then more users can control the system, but the console's processing unit becomes overloaded and cannot handle complex processing for many users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing function across multiple remote servers rather than concentrating it in a single local console. Each sensor device can independently communicate with the server cloud, and the processing load is distributed across multiple server instances, enabling the system to handle many simultaneous users without overloading a single processing unit
3Measurement precision
If sensor devices are installed close to the user for optimal detection, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the sensor device universal by enabling it to work with any display device connected to the network, rather than requiring specific pairing with a particular console. The sensor device can detect user activities and transmit signals to any remote server, which then provides appropriate feedback through any display device, greatly simplifying installation and compatibility
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
This solution enables low-cost, easy installation and maintenance, supporting multiple users and locations with the latest technology, reducing the need for local hardware and software updates, and providing a flexible, high-quality entertainment experience across various platforms.
Implementation Method 1
The user activity is detected by a sensor device which usually comprises infrared sensing elements
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides an rich input sensor device (SD) having direct access to an IP-based network, in particular to the Internet, for transmitting sensor signals or data derived thereof as user-related input data via the IP-based network (NET) to a remote computing device or server (CS), preferably to a cloud of servers, which then process these input data for controlling the running entertainment program. The sensor device (SD) can be made simple, since it is mainly designed to detect user activities and to generate sensor signals which are directly transmitted as input data (IN) to the remote computer(s) or server(s). The sensor device (SD) can directly communicate with any IP-based computing device (gaming server or the like) being installed remotely and having powerful hardware and software to process the received input data. There is no need for a computer or game console being installed at the location of the user(s).