Single Remote Pairing for Spatial Control of Multiple Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing multiple display and media devices with numerous remote controls leads to physical clutter, user confusion, and frustration due to the difficulty in remembering which device controls which function.
Innovation Solution
A system that pairs multiple display and media devices with a single remote control by associating a unique code with each device based on its position or motion, using image analysis and sensor data to determine device locations and assign codes, enabling independent control through a single remote control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple remote controls are used to control multiple display devices, then each device can be controlled independently, but physical clutter and user confusion increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single remote control is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling different display devices through spatial positioning. The remote control includes a camera and processor that enable it to identify and communicate with multiple display devices based on their spatial locations, eliminating the need for separate remote controls for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary communication mechanism using wireless signals transmitted through the camera and processor of the remote control. This intermediary layer enables the single remote control to establish connections with multiple display devices without direct physical links to each device, resolving the complexity of managing multiple separate controls.
2Reliability
If multiple remote controls are provided for different display devices, then device-specific control is achieved, but user confusion about which control corresponds to which device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by having the remote control's camera capture images of the display devices and the processor analyze spatial relationships. The remote control provides visual feedback to the user showing which display device is currently selected or in proximity, eliminating confusion about device-control mapping through real-time spatial awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control automatically identifies and associates with display devices based on their spatial positions without requiring manual configuration or user intervention. The system self-determines which display device should be controlled based on the remote control's location relative to the devices, eliminating the need for users to remember or configure device-control mappings.
3Extent of automation
If image analysis is used to determine display device locations, then automatic device identification is achieved, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the remote control continuously capture images of the display devices and pre-process spatial information before actual device pairing is needed. This preliminary image capture and analysis enables rapid automatic pairing when the user initiates control, reducing the time required during actual device association.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical pairing processes with automated optical and computational methods. Instead of requiring users to manually configure or physically pair each remote control with specific devices, the system uses image analysis and spatial computation to automatically identify and associate devices, reducing pairing time and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosed technology provide solutions for controlling multiple displays (e.g., multiple display devices, multiple displays on a media device, etc.) using a remote control device. An example method can include receiving an image of a plurality of display devices. The method can include steps for analyzing the image to determine locations of the plurality of display devices, assigning a code specific to each of the plurality of display devices based on the image, and transmitting the code to a remote control. The code enables the remote control to independently operate each of the plurality of display devices.