Chat-Interface Control of Linked Devices for Efficient Commands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current smart assistant systems require users to perform inefficient manual interactions, such as pressing a power button and using voice commands, to control smart devices, limiting the efficiency of delivering instructions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows users to control smart devices through a chat interface in an instant messaging application by selecting and sending instructions to other devices, enabling wake-up commands and direct interaction, and displaying execution results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If users use traditional smart assistant invocation methods (pressing power button and voice commands), then the device can be controlled, but the instruction delivery efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a chat interface as an intermediary between the user and the smart device. Instead of directly invoking the smart assistant through traditional methods, users can send instructions to the target device through the chat interface, which then relays these instructions to the device. This mediator approach streamlines the interaction process and improves instruction delivery efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the smart assistant invocation process from the traditional fixed interface (power button) and integrates it into the chat interface. By taking out the assistant invocation from its conventional location and embedding it within the chat functionality, the system enables more efficient and context-aware instruction delivery.
2Ease of operation
If users return to the vicinity of the second electronic device to deliver an instruction, then the instruction can be delivered directly, but the user experience is degraded and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The chat interface serves as a mediator that eliminates the need for physical proximity between the user and the target device. Users can select the target device from the chat interface and send instructions remotely, with the chat system handling the relay of commands without requiring the user to physically move to the device location.
Solution Approach 2:
The chat interface is enhanced with multi-functionality, serving both as a communication channel and as a device control interface. This universal approach allows the same interface to handle both chat operations and device instruction delivery, eliminating the need for separate interaction modes and improving ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the smart assistant is accessed through a fixed interface only, then the system structure is simple, but the user experience is less engaging and control is harder during chats
Solution Approach 1:
The chat interface is transformed into a multi-functional interface that combines messaging capabilities with smart assistant invocation and device control functions. This universal interface approach allows users to access and control the smart assistant within the familiar chat context, enhancing adaptability without requiring completely separate interaction pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the smart assistant invocation functionality with the chat interface. By combining these previously separate functions into a unified interface, the system provides more flexible assistant access while maintaining interface simplicity through integration rather than multiplication of separate controls.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device control method, an electronic device, and a system are provided. The method includes: A first electronic device detects a preset operation of a user in a chat interface of an instant messaging application. The first electronic device displays a list in the chat interface in response to the preset operation, where the list includes device information of one or more devices, the one or more devices are associated with a first account, and the first account is a logged-in account on the instant messaging application. When detecting an operation that the user selects the second electronic device from the list and enters a first instruction for the second electronic device, the first electronic device sends the first instruction to the second electronic device. The second electronic device executes the first instruction. The method helps improve efficiency in delivering an instruction by a user to a device.