Home Theater Remote

Background:

Many home entertainment systems are beginning to incorporate computers for viewing downloaded video content, listening to music, playing games, web browsing, and more. However, traditional computer interfacing devices can feel very unnatural when used from a couch. Additionally, separate devices are needed to control the computer and the rest of the system.

Problem Statement:

There is no simple mainstream remote which can control both a computer and the other devices in a home theater system.

Team Members:

Jesse Butler butlerj2@email.uc.edu
Bryan Follis follisbj@email.uc.edu
Daniel Grissom grissodt@email.uc.edu
Michael Schmidt schmidm2@email.uc.edu

email all team members

Faculty Advisor:

Dr. David Klotzkin

Goal:

We will develop a handheld universal remote control that can control traditional home entertain-ment devices, such as televisions and DVD players, and function as a mouse and media remote for a computer. This device will be able to use button input as well as a user’s gestures, similar to those used by the Nintendo Wii, to control the whole entertainment center.

Subgoals:

  1. Control home theater devices with traditional infrared remote signals

  2. Wirelessly control computers with mouse and media remote functionality

  3. Use 2D or 3D gestures to control remote functions

  4. Incorporate an intuitive device package with minimal buttons

Helpful Skills:

  • Board layout

  • Microsystem Design and Integration

  • C/C++ Coding