Configurable Control Panel for Home Automation via Wireless Transceiver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing house automation systems, such as lighting and HVAC, face challenges with user interfaces that are not intuitive or easily accessible, especially when controlling multiple aspects of a system, and require secure password delivery without using expensive components.
Innovation Solution
A control panel with a configurable user interface, memory for storing configuration information, and a wireless transceiver unit, allowing users to access and control house automation systems via a portable electronic device, which displays control functions and receives user input to transmit commands wirelessly, while also securely delivering access information using visually detectable states of visual indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a control panel with multiple switches, knobs, and sliders is provided to control various lighting aspects, then the controllability of the system is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single control element (the light switch) to perform multiple functions through configurable software control. The control unit can program the switch to control different lighting aspects (intensity, hue, colour temperature) and to trigger different scenes, replacing the need for multiple dedicated physical controls while maintaining full system controllability
2Adaptability or versatility
If a control panel with multiple switches, knobs, and sliders is provided to control various lighting aspects, then the controllability of the system is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single control element (the light switch) to perform multiple functions through configurable software control. The control unit can program the switch to control different lighting aspects (intensity, hue, colour temperature) and to trigger different scenes, replacing the need for multiple dedicated physical controls while maintaining full system controllability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the control panel's functionality programmable and reconfigurable. The control unit can dynamically assign different functions to the same physical switch at different times, allowing the interface to adapt to user needs and changing scenarios, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining versatility
3Ease of manufacture
If a barcode or QR code is displayed to deliver password information, then the cost of components is reduced, but the security and reliability of access control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing time-based code expiration. Access codes displayed on the screen are valid only for specific time periods or under specific conditions, after which they automatically expire or change. This temporal dimension adds security without requiring expensive hardware, as the codes become useless after their validity period expires, preventing unauthorized reuse by malevolent outsiders
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the access control system reconfigurable and adaptive. The control unit can programmatically generate, display, and invalidate access codes based on temporal or contextual conditions. This dynamic code management provides security comparable to expensive display systems while using simpler, lower-cost components
Data Source
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AI summary
A control panel for a house automation system comprises a configurable user interface, a memory for storing a current configuration of the user interface, and a wireless transceiver unit. Said control panel is configured to use said wireless transceiver unit to transmit information descriptive of said current configuration as a response to a query from an external device.