Universal Remote Control Orientation-Based Device Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional universal remote controls require users to manually select devices, which can be inconvenient for frequent switching or when controlling multiple devices, as they lack the ability to automatically determine the target device based on the remote's orientation.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an absolute direction sensor suite, including accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers, to determine the remote control's orientation and compass heading, allowing the remote to map different absolute directions to various devices, enabling automatic device selection by pointing the remote at the desired device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a universal remote control requires manual device selection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates when frequently switching between multiple devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The remote control automatically determines the target device by detecting its own orientation using sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer) and processing the orientation data to identify which device is being pointed at, eliminating the need for manual device selection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical button-pressing for device selection with an automated sensor-based orientation detection system that uses accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers to determine which device the remote is pointing at

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual device selection is required, then the device complexity remains low, but the loss of time increases when switching between devices frequently

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveproductivityVSAvoidloss of time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-establishes the spatial relationship between the remote control and target devices through orientation detection, so that when a user points the remote at a device, the target device is immediately identified without requiring time-consuming manual selection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The remote control autonomously performs device identification by processing orientation data from its sensors, eliminating the time required for manual device selection and enabling rapid switching between devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If manual device selection is implemented, then the device complexity is minimized, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential user error in selecting the wrong device

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides feedback by detecting the remote's orientation and automatically identifying the target device based on which device is in the direction the remote is pointing, reducing user error by confirming the intended target through spatial orientation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual device selection with automated sensor-based orientation detection using accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers to determine which device the remote is pointing at, eliminating user error in device selection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 seamless control of multiple devices without manual selection, providing convenience and accuracy by ensuring the correct device is controlled based on the remote's orientation, reducing user error and simplifying the control process.

Implementation Method 1

an accelerometer and/or gyroscope to determine an orientation of the remote control, such as in respect to gravity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

an accelerometer and/or gyroscope to determine an orientation of the remote control

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGyroscope: Gyroscope

Implementation Method 3

A magnetometer may allow for a compass heading with respect to the Earth's magnetic field to be determined

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3659334B1Universal remote control of devices based on orientation of remote

Publication Date: 2022.02.16 DISH NETWORK LLC

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AI summary

Various arrangements involving an absolute direction of a remote control device are presented herein. In response to user input received by a remote control device, the orientation of the remote control device may be determined. A compass heading direction in which the remote control device is pointed may be determined. An absolute direction may be determined based on the determined orientation and the determined compass heading. A target control device may be selected from a plurality of target control devices based on the absolute heading of the remote control device. A message indicative of the user input may then be transmitted to the selected target control device.