Movement-Based Wearable Control for Remote Device Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional device control methods require users to be physically present and often rely on additional devices like remote controls, making it difficult to control devices remotely and effectively respond to indications, especially in noisy or hard-to-notice environments.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables movement-based device control using a wearable control device, such as a smartwatch or necklace, to generate control signals for target devices like stoves, window shades, or vehicles, allowing remote operation and integration with insurance coverage incentives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional control methods using switches, knobs, or buttons are used, then the device can be controlled reliably, but the user must be physically present at the device location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical control systems (switches, knobs, buttons) with a movement-based control system using accelerometers and gyroscopes to detect user gestures. This substitution enables remote control capability while maintaining reliability, as the movement detection system can accurately interpret user intent without requiring physical contact with the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a movement detection system as an intermediary between the user and the controlled device. The accelerometers and gyroscopes act as mediators that translate physical movements into control signals, allowing the user to control the device remotely through gestures rather than direct mechanical interaction.
2Ease of operation
If additional remote control devices are used to enable remote operation, then control from distance is achieved, but the system complexity and required components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the target device itself multi-functional by equipping it with movement detection capabilities (accelerometers and gyroscopes). This allows the device to serve both as the controlled object and as the control input device, eliminating the need for separate remote controls while enabling remote operation through gestures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control function and the target device into a single integrated system. By combining the movement detection sensors with the device being controlled, the system eliminates the need for additional remote control devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining remote operation capability.
3Reliability
If conventional control methods are used in noisy environments, then the control mechanism remains simple, but the user may fail to notice environmental cues or indications in time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by continuously monitoring user movements and preparing control signals before environmental cues become critical. The movement-based control system can detect and respond to user gestures proactively, ensuring timely control actions even in noisy environments where auditory or visual cues might be missed.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for movement-based device control is presented. The system may include a control device configured to generate a control signal corresponding to at least one movement associated with the control device. The system may also include a target subsystem located remotely from the control device. The target subsystem may be configured to change from operating in a manually-controlled mode to operating in a remotely-controlled mode in response to receiving a mode change signal from the control device. The target subsystem may also be configured to receive the control signal from the control device when operating in the remotely-controlled mode. The target subsystem may additionally be configured to determine, based on the control signal, at least one control command. The target subsystem may further be configured to cause the control command(s) to be executed so that the target subsystem is controlled according to the control command(s).