Trainable Transceiver Camera Device Recognition

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Developing trainable transceivers that can easily operate a variety of devices is challenging due to the complexity of training them to recognize and control different devices using wireless signals, especially in vehicle applications where integration with cameras and other sensors is necessary.

Innovation Solution

A trainable transceiver system that integrates with vehicle cameras and sensors, using image processing and positioning information to identify and control home electronic devices, such as garage door openers, by sending activation signals based on camera-captured images and machine-readable codes, allowing for automatic operation of multiple devices within specific geographic boundaries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If trainable transceiver uses traditional wireless signal training methods, then it can control devices, but the training process becomes complex and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of trainingVSAvoidtraining complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional manual training procedures with automated image recognition technology. The camera captures images of devices, and image processing algorithms automatically identify and train the transceiver to control the target device, eliminating complex manual configuration steps and making the training process intuitive and user-friendly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses visual copying by capturing images of the target device with a camera. The image data serves as a digital representation that the system processes to automatically learn device characteristics and control parameters, replacing traditional manual input methods with automated visual data acquisition and processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Extent of automation

If trainable transceiver integrates with vehicle cameras and sensors, then it can automatically identify devices, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic device identificationVSAvoidsystem integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single system by combining the vehicle's existing camera and sensor systems with the trainable transceiver functionality. The camera serves dual purposes for both vehicle operation and device identification, while sensors provide environmental context for automated control decisions, reducing the need for separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-training and self-configuration by automatically processing camera images and sensor data to identify target devices and establish control parameters without requiring manual intervention. The transceiver autonomously learns device characteristics and configures itself to work with the identified devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the system uses image processing to identify devices, then training becomes easier, but processing time and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining easeVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by capturing and pre-processing images during normal vehicle operation or during a brief initial setup phase. Image features are extracted and stored in advance, allowing the transceiver to quickly match and identify devices during actual use without requiring time-consuming processing at the moment of training or control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3132436B1Trainable transceiver and camera systems and methods
Publication Date: 2020.07.15 GENTEX CORP
  • EP3132436B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3132436B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3132436B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A system for installation in a vehicle and for controlling a remote device includes a trainable transceiver, a camera, and a control circuit coupled to the trainable transceiver and the camera. The control circuit is configured to use the camera to identify the remote device by comparing information received via the camera to information stored in memory, and the control circuit is configured to automatically transmit an activation signal formatted to control the remote device in response to identifying the remote device