Universal Remote Control with Camera Feedback for Input Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Universal remote controls for audiovisual systems lack feedback mechanisms, making it difficult for users to verify if commands have been executed correctly, particularly in complex architectures where users struggle to identify and switch between various audiovisual inputs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a camera into the remote control to automate the verification process by comparing image data on the display with stored test patterns, using infrared commands and an image classifier to ensure the correct audiovisual input is selected and configured.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If universal remote controls are used to control audiovisual devices, then device compatibility and control capability are improved, but user confusion and difficulty in manipulation increase due to lack of feedback mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the remote control captures images from the display screen, compares them against stored test patterns, and provides visual feedback to the user through an LED indicator. This feedback loop allows users to verify that their commands have been executed correctly and that the system has switched to the intended input source, thereby resolving the contradiction between versatility and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic verification of command execution without requiring user intervention. The remote control autonomously captures the display, compares it with expected test patterns, and determines whether the audiovisual device has responded correctly to the user's commands, eliminating the need for manual troubleshooting
2Adaptability or versatility
If remote controls automatically cycle through audiovisual inputs to find correct video input, then input selection capability is improved, but time consumption and user confusion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides immediate visual feedback through LED indicators that show when a test pattern is detected on the display screen. This feedback mechanism allows the system to quickly identify the correct input source by comparing captured images against stored test patterns, significantly reducing the time required to find the correct input compared to manual cycling through all available inputs
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control is pre-programmed with test patterns corresponding to different audiovisual inputs. When the user activates input selection, the system automatically compares the current display against these pre-stored patterns to quickly identify the correct input source, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual searching
3Reliability
If feedback mechanisms are added to verify command execution, then user confidence and system reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control integrates multiple functions into a single device: it serves as both the command sender and the verification system. The image capture capability, pattern comparison algorithm, and LED feedback mechanism are all integrated into the remote control unit, allowing one device to perform both control and verification functions without requiring additional separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The display screen itself serves as an intermediary element in the feedback loop. The system captures images from the existing display screen to verify command execution, utilizing the display's own output as the feedback medium rather than requiring separate verification hardware. This approach adds minimal complexity while providing reliable verification
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
The solution provides a user-friendly automation of audiovisual system operations, reducing user burden by ensuring correct configuration and eliminating the need for manual troubleshooting, thereby simplifying the selection of audiovisual sources and enhancing the overall user experience.
Implementation Method 1
receiving image data that is rendered on a display
Implementation Method 2
The code represents one or more infrared audiovisual commands being repeatedly sent to the display
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes communicating a code to initiate cycling through a plurality of potential audiovisual inputs. The method includes receiving image data that is rendered on a display, the image data being based on a first one of the audiovisual inputs. The method also includes comparing the image data of the first one of the audiovisual inputs to a stored test pattern image associated with a selected audiovisual application to verify if the image data matches the stored test pattern for the selected audiovisual application. In more specific embodiments, the cycling through of the plurality of potential audiovisual inputs is terminated if the image data matches the stored test pattern for the selected audiovisual application. The code represents one or more infrared audiovisual commands being repeatedly sent to the display. The commands are sent until the stored test pattern image is detected on the display.