Self-Orientating Remote Control for Orientation-Independent Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional remote controllers require proper orientation towards the target device for successful communication and often need battery replacement or device association processes, which can be cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A remote control device with a sensing portion for user contact and gestures, acceleration value sensing, and a controller that performs self-orientation and power management, allowing communication and power charging through a common docking station, enabling orientation-independent operation and automatic association with target devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the remote controller is used to control a different device, then the device compatibility is improved, but a burdensome association process is required
Solution Approach 1:
The remote controller automatically performs device identification and association without requiring manual user input. The sensing portion detects the target device automatically, and the controller handles the pairing process autonomously, eliminating the need for users to manually configure device associations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the sensing portion to automatically adjust communication parameters and establish connections. The controller receives feedback about the target device and automatically configures the appropriate control signals, streamlining the association process.
2Reliability
If the remote controller requires proper orientation toward the television, then the signal transmission reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The remote controller dynamically adjusts its communication approach based on orientation detection. The sensing portion detects the relative position and orientation, and the controller adapts the signal transmission parameters accordingly, maintaining reliable communication regardless of the user's holding position.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote controller automatically performs self-orientation using the sensing portion to detect gravity direction and device position. This self-orientating capability eliminates the need for users to manually align the remote, while the controller maintains reliable signal transmission by adjusting based on detected orientation.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the remote controller includes a battery for power supply, then the duration of action is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to battery replacement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical battery replacement system with a wireless power transmission system. Power is transmitted wirelessly from the target device to the remote controller, eliminating the need for physical battery insertion and replacement while maintaining continuous operation.
4Ease of operation
If the remote controller performs self-orientation process, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing portion and controller work together to provide self-service orientation functionality. The sensing portion detects environmental cues such as gravity and device position, and the controller automatically processes this information to orient the remote, eliminating the need for manual alignment by the user.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for communicating with a target device includes: a sensing portion for sensing points of user contact with the apparatus and user gestures; a transmitting device for sending signals representative of user commands to the target device; a controller; and a memory including instructions for configuring the controller to perform a self-orientation process to determine a forward direction of a plane of operation for defining the user gestures.