Pillow remote controller using acoustic commands

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote controllers for electronic products, especially those of the handheld type with touchscreens or function buttons, do not allow users to comfortably control devices while resting, as they require manual operation which is not convenient for users in a relaxed position.

Innovation Solution

A pillow-based remote controller that uses acoustic commands to power on/off and select functions for electronic products, utilizing sensors and electronic components to decode audible signals and transmit control signals to the products, allowing users to control devices using voice, humming, or other sounds without physically interacting with a handheld controller.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a handheld remote controller with touchscreen or function buttons is used, then the electronic product can be controlled, but the user cannot comfortably control it while resting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort of control operationVSAvoidneed for handheld controller structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the remote controller functionality with a pillow by integrating sensors, electronic components, and control circuitry into the pillow structure. This allows the pillow to detect user presence and receive acoustic commands while maintaining a comfortable resting surface, eliminating the need for a separate handheld controller.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical interaction required by traditional remote controllers (buttons, touchscreen) with acoustic field interaction. Users can issue commands through voice or sound waves detected by microphones in the pillow, eliminating the need for physical manipulation of controller components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If voice-activated remote controllers are used, then manual operation is reduced, but they are still handheld and not suitable for resting position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual operation requirementVSAvoidhandheld structure requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the voice-activated remote control functionality with a pillow structure, allowing users to issue acoustic commands while resting their head on the pillow. The pillow contains microphones and processing circuitry to detect and interpret voice commands without requiring a handheld device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional pillows are used, then comfort is provided, but remote control capability is not available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote control functionalityVSAvoidpillow structure modification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates remote control functionality into a conventional pillow by embedding sensors, electronic components, and control circuitry within the pillow structure. This maintains the pillow's comfort and usability while adding remote control capabilities through acoustic command detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pillow is designed to serve multiple functions: providing comfort for resting, detecting user presence through sensors, receiving acoustic commands via microphones, and transmitting control signals to electronic devices. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 users to comfortably control electronic products from a resting position, providing convenience and ease of use by converting audible commands into control signals for various electronic devices, such as TVs, air conditioning units, and adjustable beds, enhancing user experience and accessibility.

Implementation Method 1

The pillow sensor is operable for detecting the presence of a user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure sensing:

Implementation Method 2

The acoustic command sensor is operable for receiving an acoustic command

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic to electrical conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS10453452B2Pillow remote controller using acoustic commands

Publication Date: 2019.10.22 HARDMAN RAYMOND HENRY

AI summary

A pillow remote controller using acoustic commands includes a pillow defining an open interior compartment configured for housing one or more pressure sensors electrically and operably coupled with an electronics enclosure. The electronics enclosure contains various electronic components including a power control and alarm circuit, an audio receive, de-code and function command circuit, a transmitter selector and interface circuit, and various transmitters for transmitting an operating function to an electronic product. The electronics are operable for receiving an acoustic command, de-coding the acoustic command, and providing a function command to the transmitter selector and interface circuit. The function command is interfaced with a particular type of transmitter and transmitted optically or wirelessly to the electronic product. One or more human presence sensors may be operably coupled with the power control and alarm circuit to provide an assurance of human presence before enabling operation.