Universal Remote with Capacitive Touch and Visual Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional universal controlling devices require users to manually select device modes and look at input keys, leading to user confusion and unintended actions due to mode confusion and input key clutter.
Innovation Solution
A universal controlling device with capacitive touch sensors and unique key IDs that transmit touch and press events to a smart device, displaying graphical user interface elements associated with consumer electronic devices, allowing users to control appliances without looking at input keys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple device mode states are provided in a universal controlling device, then the device can control multiple different appliances, but users experience mode confusion and must manually select the appropriate mode before issuing commands
Solution Approach 1:
A camera acts as an intermediary between the user and the appliances. The camera captures images of the appliances, and image recognition technology automatically identifies which appliance the user intends to control. This eliminates the need for manual mode selection while maintaining the ability to control multiple different appliances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic appliance identification through image capture and recognition. The controlling device automatically determines the target appliance without requiring user intervention for mode selection, making the system self-identifying and eliminating mode confusion.
2Ease of operation
If input keys with labels are provided on the universal controlling device, then users can identify key functions, but users must look down at the keys which interrupts their view of the appliances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key-label system with a visual display system. A display device shows graphical user interface elements that represent appliance functions and controls. Users interact with the displayed graphics rather than physical keys, eliminating the need to look down at labeled keys while maintaining clear function identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface transitions from a two-dimensional key layout on the remote to a display-based interface that can present information in multiple dimensions. The display can show appliance images, control options, and status information simultaneously, providing comprehensive information without requiring the user to shift their gaze.
3Productivity
If conventional universal remote controls are used, then basic appliance control is achieved, but users frequently press wrong keys or send commands to wrong devices due to lack of visual feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides immediate visual feedback through the display device. When the user points the camera at an appliance and presses a button, the display shows the recognized appliance, the selected function, and confirmation of the command being sent. This feedback loop allows users to verify their selections before execution, eliminating wrong commands.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera and image recognition system serve as an intermediary verification step. Before a command is executed, the system visually confirms which appliance is being controlled and what action will be taken. This intermediary layer prevents accidental or incorrect command transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system and method is described for controlling one or more consumer electronic devices that is performed by a smart device. The smart device causes one or more graphical elements, each for performing a particular operation to be displayed. The smart device then causes an action to be performed when the user selects one of the graphical elements, for example by pressing one of the keys on the universal controlling device or by speaking a command.