Universal Remote Control with IMU and Voice Input
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional remote controls are often difficult to use and limited in functionality, being device-specific, which leads to users having multiple controls for different appliances like televisions and set-top boxes, and even universal or programmable remote controls fail to provide enhanced functionality.
Innovation Solution
A multi-device remote control system that utilizes a combination of input devices such as buttons, touch pads, microphones, and inertial measurement units (IMUs) to communicate with various appliances via multiple wireless protocols, partnering with smartphones or other computing devices to provide advanced features like image recognition and network functionality, allowing for intuitive control of multiple devices with support for 'legacy' devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional remote controls are used, then device-specific control is achieved, but functionality is limited and multiple controls are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal remote control system that can control multiple devices including televisions, set-top boxes, and audio equipment through a single device. The system uses programmable interfaces and multiple communication protocols (infrared, Bluetooth, WiFi) to provide versatile control functionality across different device types, eliminating the need for multiple device-specific remotes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a smartphone or computing device as an intermediary between the user and the controlled appliances. This intermediary runs a control application that communicates with various devices through multiple protocols, providing enhanced functionality such as image recognition, voice control, and network-based control while simplifying the user interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If basic remote control functions are provided, then ease of operation is maintained, but functionality remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic user interface that adapts to different devices and user preferences. The control application can switch between simple directional button interfaces for basic TV control and more advanced interfaces with image recognition, voice commands, and touchscreen controls for enhanced functionality, allowing the system to provide appropriate complexity based on the situation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical button interfaces with multiple alternative control methods including touchscreen interfaces, voice recognition through microphones, and gesture control through IMU sensors. This substitution provides enhanced functionality while maintaining ease of operation through natural interaction methods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input devices are integrated, then functionality is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple input devices including directional buttons, touch pads, microphones for voice control, and IMU sensors for gesture recognition into a single integrated remote control system. These diverse input methods are merged into a unified architecture that processes inputs through a common interface, providing enhanced control capabilities without requiring separate devices for each function.
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 enhanced remote control of diverse appliances with improved user experience by leveraging IMU data for intuitive control, image recognition, and network connectivity, reducing the need for multiple remote controls and enhancing functionality beyond basic channel and volume selection.
Implementation Method 1
A multi-device remote control system that utilizes a combination of input devices such as buttons, touch pads, microphones, and inertial measurement units (IMUs)
Implementation Method 2
configured for sending commands selected via the user interface to a media appliance via a first wireless communication protocol
Data Source
AI summary
In some aspects, the disclosure is directed to methods and systems for enhanced remote control of diverse appliances or devices with support for “legacy” devices as well as providing enhanced functionality. In some implementations, the remote control may utilize a multi-device communications scheme and partner with a computing device, such as a smartphone or other such device, to provide added functionality, including network functionality.