Orientation-Based Controller Pairing for Multi-Device Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current solutions for managing device controls are cumbersome and confusing, failing to provide efficient means for controlling multiple user devices using a single control device.

Innovation Solution

The use of orientation elements like compasses and location-based systems to automatically identify and select user devices for control, leveraging orientation and location information to establish and activate control relationships between controllers and user devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a control device is programmed with pre-defined inputs and buttons for managing multiple user devices, then the control functionality is established, but the system becomes cumbersome and confusing to operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoiduser experience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The controller automatically determines its own orientation using onboard sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer) and uses this self-determined orientation information to identify and control the appropriate user device, eliminating the need for manual device selection and complex programming by the user

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the control parameter from manual device selection to automatic orientation-based device identification, where the controller's physical orientation becomes the key parameter for determining which device to control, simplifying the user interaction model

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple user devices are supported with similar control interfaces, then versatility is improved, but device identification and selection becomes difficult and confusing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-device supportVSAvoiddevice identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical device selection (buttons, switches, menu navigation) with an automated sensor-based orientation detection system that uses accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers to automatically identify the target device based on the controller's physical orientation in space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If manual programming of control codes is required for each device, then control precision is maintained, but the system becomes complex and time-consuming to set up

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol accuracyVSAvoidprogramming complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary automatic device identification and control code retrieval based on the controller's orientation before the user needs to control any device, eliminating the need for manual programming while ensuring accurate control through pre-fetched device-specific control codes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11334037B2Systems and methods for controlling devices

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 COMCAST CABLE COMM LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods for managing device controls are disclosed. One method can comprise determining an orientation of a controller and comparing the orientation of the controller and an activation orientation. If the orientation of the controller substantially matches the activation orientation, a control relationship between the controller and the user device may be automatically activated, and if the orientation of the controller does not substantially match the activation orientation, control options to a user of the controller.