Pointing Remote Control With Patterned Infrared Position Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote controls for display devices, such as televisions, require cumbersome operation steps when navigating user interfaces with multiple options, particularly for full keyboard inputs, due to the need for prolonged use of direction keys.

Innovation Solution

A pointing remote control system that uses a patterned infrared signal sent by a remote control device, which is received by an infrared receiver array on the display device to determine the pointing position, allowing for simplified operations like click to select, box select, touch and hold, and drag, by identifying the remote control's position on the screen.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional remote control with direction keys is used to navigate user interfaces, then the remote control structure remains simple, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidtime for navigation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical direction key navigation system with an optical/infrared-based pointing system. The remote control emits infrared signals that are detected by the display device to determine pointing position, substituting the mechanical pressing action with optical signal transmission for cursor control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary infrared signal transmission mechanism between the remote control and the display device. The infrared receiver array acts as a mediator to detect the remote control's position and translate it into cursor position information, enabling indirect control without direct mechanical interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a simplified remote control with minimal buttons is used, then the remote control design aligns with intelligent era standards, but the operation steps become more cumbersome for complex interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control structureVSAvoidoperation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the remote control universally applicable for various interaction modes. The same infrared-based pointing mechanism supports multiple functions including cursor navigation, item selection, and potential touch-like interactions, allowing a single simplified device to handle diverse operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces multiple mechanical buttons with a single infrared emission mechanism that enables diverse operations through different interaction patterns (pointing, clicking, holding), reducing the physical button count while maintaining operational versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If direction keys are used to select options in a full keyboard input interface, then the remote control remains simple, but the user needs to use the direction key for a long time frequently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control button countVSAvoidduration of direction key usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the prolonged mechanical direction key pressing with brief infrared signal transmissions. Instead of continuously pressing direction keys to navigate through many options, the user can point and select directly, significantly reducing the total duration of interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the user to skip through multiple options quickly by using the infrared pointing system to directly select desired items without sequentially navigating through all options with direction keys, thereby reducing the time and repeated actions required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

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 efficient and intuitive interaction with display devices by allowing users to perform touch-type operations at a distance, reducing the need for prolonged key presses and simplifying the navigation of complex user interfaces.

Implementation Method 1

The display device is configured to receive the patterned infrared signal by using a plurality of infrared receivers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

obtain a projection pattern of the patterned infrared signal on a display screen. The display device is further configured to determine a pointing position of the remote control device on the display screen based on the projection pattern

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4131978B1Pointing remote control method and system
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4131978B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4131978B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1C
  • EP4131978B1 patent drawingFigure 1D~1E

AI summary

This application discloses a pointing remote control system, including a remote control device and a display device. The remote control device sends a patterned infrared signal to the display device. The display device receives the patterned infrared signal by using a plurality of infrared receivers. The display device obtains a projection pattern of the patterned infrared signal on a display screen. The display device determines a pointing position of the remote control device on the display screen based on the projection pattern. The display device displays a prompt mark in the pointing position of the display screen, where the prompt mark is used to prompt a user with the pointing position of the remote control device on the display screen. In this way, the display device can identify the pointing position of the remote control device on the display screen of the display device by using the patterned infrared signal sent by the remote control device, to simplify an operating step.