Adjustable Device Control via Manual Setting Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling devices like blinds, shutters, and curtains often rely on remote controls, which can be lost, broken, or without batteries, leading to difficulties in adjusting these devices, especially in environments where remote controls are frequently misplaced or unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows for manual adjustment of at least one device, where detection means generate a setting indication based on the manual adjustment, which is then communicated and used to adjust other devices via drive means, eliminating the need for a remote control and providing intuitive control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a remote control is used to control adjustable devices, then the devices can be controlled conveniently, but the remote control may be lost, broken, or have drained batteries making it unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service control by allowing any adjustable device to automatically adjust other devices in the system based on its own position. When a user manually adjusts one device, all other devices automatically follow without requiring a remote control, making the system self-regulating and independent of external control devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication system where adjustable devices transmit their position information to each other through a network. This intermediary mechanism allows devices to coordinate their positions automatically without requiring a central controller or remote control, resolving the reliability issue of remote availability.
2Ease of operation
If a remote control is used to adjust devices, then control is possible, but the control is not intuitive and the resulting position may not be tangible
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by having each adjustable device continuously report its position to others through the communication network. When a user manually adjusts a device, the position information is immediately fed back to all other devices, allowing them to automatically adjust to matching positions. This creates a transparent, intuitive control system where position information is constantly shared and visible to all devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustable devices are controlled individually, then each device can be adjusted independently, but it becomes cumbersome to control all devices when remote control is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control function into the devices themselves rather than requiring an external controller. Each adjustable device is equipped with communication capabilities that allow it to automatically coordinate with others. When one device is adjusted, the change is automatically propagated to all other devices, combining multiple individual control actions into a single automatic system response.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of controlling a plurality of adjustable devices (10, 20, 30) such as electric blinds, shutters, curtains, awnings or windows, is disclosed, wherein at least a first adjustable device (10, 20, 30) of said plurality of adjustable devices is configured to be manually adjusted, and wherein detection means (13, 23, 33) detect a manual setting (POS3) of said at least one manually adjustable device (10, 20, 30), wherein a setting indication (SI) which is based on said detected manual setting is generated and communicated by means of transmission means (14, 24, 34), and wherein one or more further adjustable devices (10, 20, 30) of said plurality of adjustable devices are moved to a position based on said communicated setting indication (SI) by means of drive means (11, 21, 31) configured for adjusting said one or more further adjustable devices (10, 20, 30). Moreover, a system for controlling adjustable devices and an adjustable device such as a blind, shutter, curtain, awning or window is disclosed.