Cloud-Based UI Simulation for Power Controller Customization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional data center controller user interfaces are not user-friendly, require multiple iterations for acceptance, and lack customization options, making them inefficient and potentially unsafe for end users.

Innovation Solution

A cloud-based web application that allows end users to simulate and customize a user interface for power controller devices, enabling real-time visualization and configuration of device features, with the option to download a customizable UI build for actual device control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional controller systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the user interface requires multiple iterations for acceptance and is not customizable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interface usabilityVSAvoidUI customization system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the controller UI in a cloud-based simulation environment. Users can interact with a replicated version of the controller interface through a web application, allowing them to test and customize UI layouts without modifying the actual physical controller. This virtual copy enables multiple iterations of UI design and testing before final deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows users to perform preliminary UI configuration and customization actions in the cloud simulation environment before the actual controller deployment. Users can define region-specific constraints, select device features, and configure UI layouts in advance, then download the customized UI build for use on the physical controller, eliminating the need for on-site iterations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional controller systems are used, then the implementation is straightforward, but the user interface is not customizable based on specific user needs

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUI customization capabilityVSAvoidUI deployment efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The UI system is made dynamic and adaptable through region-specific configuration options. The system automatically adjusts UI parameters based on selected regions or countries, applying local constraints and requirements. Users can dynamically configure device features, data display formats, and UI layouts according to their specific needs, and the system adapts the controller interface accordingly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows changing multiple UI parameters simultaneously through region-based configuration. Users can modify display formats, data units, language settings, and layout configurations as a set of parameters tied to specific regions or device types, enabling efficient customization without manual adjustment of each individual element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of time

If conventional controller systems are used, then the system is easy to deploy, but multiple iterations of reviews and changes are required before UI acceptance

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUI iteration cycle timeVSAvoidUI configuration process
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cloud-based simulation environment acts as an intermediary between the controller manufacturer and the end user. This intermediate platform allows users to configure, test, and customize UI layouts without direct access to or modification of the physical controller. The simulation environment mediates the interaction, enabling iterative improvements in a controlled virtual space before final deployment to the actual device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If conventional controller systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but safety notifications and actions are not interfaced efficiently to users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety notification effectivenessVSAvoidsafety interface system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The safety notification system applies local quality by tailoring safety information presentation to specific regions and user needs. The system can customize safety alert formats, notification priorities, and action buttons based on local regulations and user requirements, ensuring that safety communications are both effective and locally appropriate without requiring a completely different interface for each region.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4307107A1System and method for simulation and deployment of customized user interface (UI) for power system controller device
Publication Date: 2024.01.17 VERTIV CORP
  • EP4307107A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4307107A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4307107A1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A method and system for web-based simulation of a customizable user interface (Ul) for a power controller device provide a cloud-based web interface via which an end user may select a specific device, an operating region, and device features to be incorporated into a user interface (Ul) for a controller device or mobile application wirelessly connected to said controller device. Based on the selected device type, regional configuration, and device features, a simulated UI is provided to the end user incorporating simulated data in one or more of a variety of desired data display formats. The end user may visualize the simulated UI via the web interface and customize the UI by reconfiguring layout features and/or adding branding elements. The system further provides a build of the finished UI downloadable by the end user to, and compatible with, the selected target device.