Remote Controller Location Estimation Using Ultrasonic Time Delays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surround sound systems require users to be within a narrow 'sweet spot' to fully appreciate the audio, limiting the quality of the experience for those outside this range, and there is a need for a method to accurately determine the two-dimensional location of a remote controller to adjust sound direction and volume accordingly.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a remote controller transmitting infrared and ultrasonic signals, and a receiver with infrared and ultrasonic sensors to measure time delays and calculate the location of the remote controller, allowing for precise estimation of its two-dimensional position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If two speakers are placed at both sides of a device to reproduce surround sound, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sweet spot range is limited to about 10 degrees resulting in significantly lower sound quality outside this range
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the sound reproduction characteristics based on the detected position of the remote controller. The sound direction and volume are modified in real-time according to user location, transforming the static two-speaker system into a dynamic one that adapts to different listening positions, thereby resolving the contradiction between simple device configuration and limited adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes acoustic parameters (sound direction and volume) based on the detected remote controller position. By modifying these parameters according to user location, the system maintains acceptable sound quality outside the traditional sweet spot range while keeping the simple two-speaker configuration
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sweet spot range is expanded to improve sound quality for users outside the 10-degree range, then the adaptability increases, but the device complexity increases due to requiring multiple speakers and sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/acoustic solutions (multiple speakers and sensors) with a simpler system that uses position detection of the remote controller and electronic adjustment of sound parameters. This substitution achieves expanded adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The remote controller acts as an intermediary that carries position information. By detecting the remote's position and using this information to adjust sound reproduction, the system achieves adaptability expansion without directly adding multiple sensors and speakers to the audio device
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to accurately detect remote controller position, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote controller serves multiple functions: it is both the control device and the position indicator. By utilizing the remote's inherent properties (infrared/ultrasonic signal transmission) for position detection, the system achieves measurement precision without adding dedicated sensors to the audio device, thus avoiding increased device complexity
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 accurate location estimation of the remote controller, allowing for improved surround sound reproduction by adjusting sound direction and volume based on the user's location, enhancing the audio experience beyond the traditional sweet spot limitations.
Implementation Method 1
receiving an infrared signal and ultrasonic signal
Implementation Method 2
measuring time delays between the received infrared signal and ultrasonic signals received by ultrasonic wave receiving sensors
Implementation Method 3
calculating distance information corresponding to L1 and L2 using time delays between an infrared signal and ultrasonic signals
Implementation Method 4
calculating distance information corresponding to L1 and L2 using time delays between an infrared signal and ultrasonic signals received by first and second ultrasonic wave receiving sensors, respectively, and speed of sound
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method, system, and medium for estimating a location of a remote controller using ultrasonic waves. The method includes receiving a plurality of signals transmitted from the remote controller, measuring time delays between an infrared signal and ultrasonic signals included in each of the received signals, estimating the location of the remote controller with respect to each of the received signals using the measured time delays, and estimating the final location of the remote controller based on the estimated locations of the remote controller.