Proximity Sensor Infrared Remote Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote controls for electronic devices, especially those using infrared signals, are often difficult to program and lack versatility, and mobile devices without integrated infrared blasters cannot effectively control other devices due to conventional proximity sensors being hardwired for specific modulation patterns.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a proximity sensor with an infrared emitter and detector, configured to emit and sense infrared signals for remote control purposes, allowing a user device to issue commands to electronic devices by converting user instructions into corresponding infrared codes and transmitting them via the proximity sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional proximity sensors are used in mobile devices, then the device can detect proximity for basic functions, but the sensor cannot transmit infrared remote control signals because it is hardwired for specific modulation patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensor is configured to dynamically switch between its original proximity detection function and infrared remote control signal transmission function. The sensor can be reconfigured to emit different infrared modulation patterns depending on the operational mode required, making it adaptable rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensor serves multiple functions: it maintains its original proximity detection capability while simultaneously being able to transmit infrared remote control signals for various electronic devices. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated remote controls
2Ease of operation
If dedicated remote controls are used for each electronic device, then complete device functionality is achieved, but multiple remote controls become difficult to manage and may be misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
A single mobile device is configured to control multiple different electronic devices by utilizing the reconfigurable proximity sensor to emit different infrared codes corresponding to different target devices, replacing the need for multiple dedicated remote controls
Solution Approach 2:
The functionality of multiple dedicated remote controls is merged into a single mobile device. The mobile device combines proximity sensing, infrared signal generation, and device control capabilities in one unit, consolidating what would otherwise require separate physical remotes
3Adaptability or versatility
If programmable remote controls are used to control multiple devices, then versatility is improved, but the programming process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device automatically manages the infrared signal transmission for controlling different electronic devices. The system self-configures to emit appropriate infrared codes based on the selected target device, eliminating the manual programming process that would otherwise be required
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 versatile and user-friendly remote control of electronic devices using mobile devices, overcoming the limitations of conventional remote controls and leveraging existing proximity sensors to transmit infrared signals for device control.
Implementation Method 1
a proximity sensor comprising an infrared emitter and an infrared detector
Implementation Method 2
sense reflected light having the specific properties using the infrared detector to determine proximity of the sensor to an object
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and media for remote control of electronic devices using a proximity sensor are provided. In some implementations, the system comprises: a proximity sensor comprising an infrared emitter and an infrared detector, wherein the proximity sensor is configured to emit infrared light having specific properties using the infrared emitter and sense reflected light having the specific properties using the infrared detector to determine proximity of the sensor to an object; and a hardware processor that is programmed to: receive a user instruction to cause a command to be issued to control an electronic device; determine a code to be transmitted that corresponds to the command from a plurality of codes associated with the electronic device; and provide at least one signal to the proximity sensor to cause the proximity sensor to emit an infrared signal corresponding to the code instead of emitting infrared light having the specific properties.