Remote Control with Integrated Camera for Videoconferencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote controls for electronic devices lack the capability to image an environment, limiting their versatility, especially in videoconferencing scenarios where users need to show items or their surroundings, and require additional components or separate cameras for optimal imaging.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a camera within the remote control system that can image a predetermined area and transmit the image signal to electronic components like set-top boxes or displays, allowing for seamless videoconferencing and content interaction without the need for separate cameras or complex installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a camera is integrated into the remote control, then the imaging capability and versatility of the remote control are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a camera, transmitter, and control buttons into a single remote control device. This merging of previously separate components (camera and remote control) into one unified device enables imaging functionality while maintaining a compact, user-friendly form factor. The camera is positioned within the remote control housing, sharing space with other components, thus achieving versatility without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional control signal transmission to electronic devices and imaging of the environment. By making the device universal, it eliminates the need for separate dedicated camera and remote control devices. The imaging sensor can be used for both videoconferencing and environmental capture, demonstrating multi-functionality that improves versatility while managing complexity through shared hardware resources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a camera is integrated into the remote control, then additional imaging functions are enabled, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module is integrated within the existing remote control housing structure, sharing manufacturing processes and assembly lines. By combining the camera with the remote control rather than treating them as separate precision components, the patent leverages the existing robust manufacturing infrastructure of remote controls to produce the imaging device with appropriate precision requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the camera is positioned in the remote control, then imaging of the environment is enabled, but the distance from the camera to the user increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the camera at the front of the remote control, utilizing the spatial dimension along the length of the device to maximize imaging distance. By orienting the camera lens forward and positioning it at the extremity of the remote control, the design exploits the available space in one dimension (length) to achieve greater object-to-camera distance, enabling environmental imaging while maintaining a compact overall device form.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote control system for transmitting a signal to an electronic component, the remote control system including a remote control that includes a transmitter that transmits the signal to the electronic component, and at least one button configured to, upon user contact with the button, instruct the transmitter to transmit the signal. The remote control system also includes a camera disposed on or within the remote control. The camera is configured to image an environment within a predetermined distance of the remote control.