Remote Control Device Selection via User Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional remote control systems become cumbersome and inefficient as the number of remote controllable devices increases, as users struggle to select the correct device due to the need for manual input or cycling through options, and universal remotes often fail to control a wide range of devices including lighting systems, thermostats, and toys.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows users to select a remote controlled device by looking at it, using a headset with sensors to determine the orientation and position of the user relative to the devices, allowing selection based on location and viewing direction, with data transmission via wireless interfaces like Bluetooth or RFID.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual input or cycling through options is used to select remote controlled devices, then device selection can be achieved, but user effort and time increase significantly as the number of devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical input methods (button pressing, cycling through options) with automatic optical recognition using a camera and image processing system. The user simply points the remote control at the desired device, and the system automatically identifies and selects it based on visual recognition, eliminating the need for manual device selection procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service device selection where the remote control device autonomously identifies the target device without requiring user intervention in the selection process. The automatic identification system uses the camera to capture the target device and processes the image to determine which device should be controlled, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring manual user input.
2Adaptability or versatility
If universal remotes are used to control multiple devices, then device compatibility increases, but the remote control becomes less precise and reliable for specific device types
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of the target device type and characteristics before executing the control operation. By first capturing an image of the device and analyzing its visual characteristics, the system determines the specific device type and configures the appropriate control parameters beforehand, ensuring reliable and precise control for the identified device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring the control parameters and communication protocol specifically to the identified device type. Rather than using generic universal control signals, the system adjusts the control method based on the specific characteristics of the target device (e.g., infrared protocol for audiovisual devices, RF protocol for lighting systems), thereby maintaining high reliability for each device type while preserving versatility across different devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method are provided for selecting a remote controlled device to be controlled from among a plurality of remote controllable devices. The system includes an electronic device having a registration interface configured to register device data corresponding to the plurality of remote controllable devices, a position locator configured to determine position data corresponding to a position of the electronic device, and an orientation interface configured to receive orientation data corresponding to an orientation of a user. A controller is configured to select the remote controlled device based on the device data, the position data, and the orientation data. The plurality of remote controllable devices each may include a respective data source configured to provide the device data, and a headset may be configured to generate the orientation data.