Remote Control Automatic Device Identification via Orientation Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of audiovisual entertainment systems often need to use multiple remote controls to manage different devices, which can be cumbersome and require manual mode selection, lacking an intuitive way to control specific devices without pressing device selection buttons.

Innovation Solution

A single remote control identifies and configures commands based on the device it is aimed at, using transmitters, directional receivers, and potentially cameras or orientation awareness to associate buttons with device-specific functions, allowing seamless control without manual mode switching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a universal remote control is used to control multiple devices, then the quantity of remote controls is reduced, but the complexity of operation increases due to manual mode selection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequantity of remote controlsVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The remote control automatically determines which device to control by detecting the direction it is pointing using orientation sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) and camera data. The system performs self-configuration by automatically associating buttons with the detected device, eliminating the need for manual mode selection and making the remote control itself perform the identification task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The remote control changes its operational parameters (device mode, command mapping) based on detected orientation parameters. By monitoring changes in orientation data from sensors and camera input, the remote dynamically adjusts which device it communicates with and how buttons are mapped, allowing seamless switching between devices without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If manual mode selection is required on the remote control, then device control is reliable, but the time required to control a device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of device controlVSAvoidtime to control device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary device identification and configuration automatically before the user needs to control the device. By pre-determining which device the remote is pointing at using orientation sensors and camera data, and pre-configuring the appropriate command mappings, the system eliminates the time-consuming manual mode selection step while maintaining reliable device control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The remote control continuously receives feedback from orientation sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) and camera data about its pointing direction. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically update which device it is controlling in real-time, ensuring reliable device control while eliminating delays associated with manual mode switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If individual remote controls are used for each device, then the ease of operation is high, but the quantity of remote controls increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidquantity of remote controls

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The remote control is designed as a universal device capable of controlling multiple different devices (television, set-top box, DVR, etc.) through automatic device identification. By integrating orientation sensors, camera, and automated configuration capabilities, a single remote control performs the functions of multiple device-specific remotes, reducing the quantity of remote controls needed while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If automatic device identification is implemented, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidcomplexity of remote control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic device identification system is segmented into separate functional modules: orientation sensing (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers), visual detection (camera with image processing), device identification logic, and command mapping configuration. This modular segmentation allows the complex functionality to be implemented as distinct, manageable components that work together, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9886846B2Systems and methods for configuring a remote control to control multiple devices

Publication Date: 2018.02.06 DISH TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods are disclosed for using a single remote control to control a particular device among several devices by aiming the remote control at the device to identify the device to be controlled. Once the device is identified, the remote control is then configured to send remote control commands to communicate with the identified device when the buttons or other user interface elements on the remote control are selected.