Web Camera IR Feedback Control for Remote Device Verification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional infrared (IR) control systems are one-way, lacking feedback and making it difficult for users to verify the response of controlled devices, especially when they are out of sight.
Innovation Solution
A web camera with an IR transmitter and processing unit that captures images of the target device, sends IR control codes, and determines if the device responds by analyzing the images, allowing for two-way communication and remote confirmation of control commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional IR control is used, then control signal transmission is simple, but feedback verification is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by capturing images of the target device's display screen using a camera, analyzing the displayed content to determine whether the device responded to the IR control command, and transmitting this verification information back to the user terminal device, thereby converting the one-way IR control into a two-way controlled feedback system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of the camera, image processing unit, and communication module that mediates between the IR transmitter and the user terminal device, capturing and analyzing the target device's response and relaying this information to the user, thus enabling indirect verification of control effectiveness
2Ease of operation
If user checks device response manually, then system complexity is low, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically capturing images of the target device, analyzing the displayed content to determine command execution status, and sending verification results back to the user without requiring manual intervention, thereby enabling automated control verification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical verification process with an automated optical-electronic system where the camera captures visual information, the processing unit analyzes the images to determine device response, and the communication module transmits results, substituting human visual inspection and manual verification with automated image processing
3Length of stationary object
If device is beyond user sight, then control range is extended, but verification capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module serves multiple functions: it acts as a visual display extension for remote devices, a verification tool for control effectiveness, and potentially a monitoring device for device state, thereby enabling the system to perform multiple tasks with a single component
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 remote, two-way IR control with feedback, allowing users to confirm the state of controlled devices, improving control accuracy and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a photographic unit capturing a plurality of images
Implementation Method 2
transmits an IR control code corresponding to the control command to a target device via the IR transmitter
Data Source
AI summary
A web camera and an operation method thereof are provided. The web camera includes a photographic unit, an infrared (IR) transmitter, a network communication unit and a processing unit. The photographic unit captures an image. The network communication unit establishes a connection with a remote host via a communication network. The processing unit sends the image captured by the photographic unit to the remote host via the network communication unit. The processing unit receives a control command from the remote host via the network communication unit. The processing unit transmits an IR control code corresponding to the control command to a target device via the IR transmitter. The processing unit determines whether the target device responds to the IR control code based on the image.