Roku Invention Uses 'Motion Detection' as Alternative to ‘Cumbersome’ Logins

Roku invented a method for enabling subscribers to log in using motion-detection fingerprints embedded in the TV’s remote control, said a U.S. patent application (20190012452) published Thursday at the Patent and Trademark Office. In entertainment systems, “a standard user login process using a remote control usually requires the user to type user identification information on a small remote control keyboard or use the remote control to direct an onscreen keyboard to enter the proper login information,” it said. “In either scenario, logging in to the system, particularly when using a remote control, can be a cumbersome process.” Roku’s solution includes at least one processor “coupled” to a “memory,” and “configured” to detect the motion of a remote control and compare that with one or more stored motions that grant access to the account if a match is found, said the application, based on a Sept. 14 filing. It names Ilya Asnis, senior vice president-Roku OS, as the sole inventor. The company didn’t comment Thursday on commercial implications.