Device and a system for control and/or command

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing building control systems require users to navigate multiple control points to access and configure data, leading to increased energy consumption and user dissatisfaction due to complex navigation and high costs associated with equipping every room with a terminal for data display.

Innovation Solution

A device that generates a display configuration based on screen dimensions, using an accelerometer to adapt to orientation, and only requests data updates when needed, featuring a bistable display and near-field communication for reduced energy consumption and simplified user interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If all data is transmitted to a mobile communication device, then all data is accessible to the user, but complex navigation functions are required which need training and lead to user dissatisfaction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accessibilityVSAvoidnavigation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a fixed display terminal as an intermediary device between the building automation system and the user. This terminal automatically receives and displays data from multiple control points in a structured format, eliminating the need for users to navigate through complex menus on mobile devices while maintaining full data accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If every room is equipped with a terminal for data display, then all data is accessible locally, but the cost and practicality increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocal data accessVSAvoidequipment cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal fixed display terminal that can access and display data from multiple control points and rooms through the existing building automation network. This single multi-functional terminal replaces the need for multiple dedicated terminals in each room, significantly reducing equipment costs while maintaining local data access capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of information

If control points are equipped with screens to display data, then users can access control point information, but users must navigate from control point to control point which is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol point data accessVSAvoidnavigation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the display functionality for multiple control points into a single fixed terminal. This terminal simultaneously or sequentially displays data from multiple control points in an organized manner, allowing users to access information from different control points without physically moving between them, thereby eliminating navigation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Loss of information

If complex navigation functions are implemented on the terminal, then all retrievable data can be viewed, but user training is required and user satisfaction decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata retrieval capabilityVSAvoidnavigation function complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixed display terminal automatically retrieves, organizes, and displays data from multiple control points without requiring user intervention for navigation. The system performs self-service by autonomously managing data collection and presentation, thereby eliminating complex navigation functions while maintaining comprehensive data retrieval capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The solution minimizes energy consumption by adapting to screen orientation and only requesting data updates when necessary, providing efficient data access while reducing user processing and equipment costs, offering a cost-effective and user-friendly control system for building comfort and safety monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

the orientation of the display screen is defined via an accelerometer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentEP3134778B1Device and a system for control and/or command
Publication Date: 2019.11.06 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP3134778B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3134778B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3b
  • EP3134778B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device for control and/or command of a visual or thermal comfort element or security element of a building, comprising a display screen (19), and an electronic control unit (21) provided with a communication module (25) arranged so as to receive data, according to a wireless communication protocol, originating from a complementary communication module of a central entity arranged so as to control and/or command the at least one visual or thermal comfort element or security element (3), said central entity being arranged so as to employ and transmit to the electronic control unit (21) representative data relating to the visual or thermal comfort, to electrical consumption or to the security of the building. The electronic control unit (21) is configured to generate a display configuration as a function of at least one datum of content and of at least one datum descriptive of display defining the arrangement of a display of the at least one datum of content, the at least one datum of content and the at least one datum descriptive of display being included in the representative data relating to the visual or thermal comfort, to electrical consumption or to the safety of the building which were received via the communication module (25), the display screen (19) being configured to display said display configuration (A). Figure 2