Control Device Interface Adaptation for Electronic Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control devices connected to communication networks often fail to support new functionality of electronic devices, such as digital network cameras, requiring costly and time-consuming updates to infrastructure.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where a control device generates and displays a graphical control interface based on user access levels and technical abilities, allowing only accessible control parameters to be displayed, enabling control of electronic devices without updating the control device infrastructure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If new functionality is added to electronic devices, then device capability and versatility are improved, but control device compatibility and infrastructure cost deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectronic device functionalityVSAvoidcontrol device infrastructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having the control device adapt to new electronic device functionality, the patent inverts the approach by having the electronic device adapt its control parameters to match the control device's capabilities. The electronic device receives capability information from the control device and filters control parameters accordingly, allowing new functionality to be added without requiring control device updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of control from a control-device-centric model to an electronic-device-centric model. Control parameters now include capability indicators that describe what the control device can handle, and the electronic device adjusts its control parameter set based on these indicators, enabling dynamic adaptation without infrastructure changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If control device infrastructure is updated to support new functionality, then control capability is improved, but cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidinfrastructure update time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic device performs self-service by automatically adapting its control parameters to match the control device's capabilities. The system eliminates the need for manual infrastructure updates by implementing automatic capability matching and control parameter filtering at the electronic device side.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control device transmits its capability information to the electronic device in advance, allowing the electronic device to pre-filter and prepare an appropriate set of control parameters before actual control operations begin, avoiding the need for subsequent updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If all control parameters are displayed, then user access and control options are improved, but system security and access control deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol accessibilityVSAvoidaccess control security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating access levels for different control parameters. Instead of uniform access control, each control parameter is associated with specific access level requirements, and the system selectively displays only those parameters matching the user's access level, providing customized control interfaces for different user roles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The control parameter display is made dynamic based on user access levels. The system automatically adjusts which control parameters are displayed and accessible based on the authenticated user's permissions, transforming a static interface into a dynamically adapted one that responds to user credentials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10778834B2Controlling different states of operation of an electronic device over a communication network using a control device

Publication Date: 2020.09.15 AXIS

AI summary

A control device for controlling an electronic device over a communication network; the electronic device comprises data storage having control parameters and associated access levels which control operation of the electronic device; circuitry which generates a control setup message including the control parameters and access levels; and a network interface for sending the control setup message. The control device comprises: circuitry for determining an access level of a user logged in to the control device; a network interface for receiving the control setup message; control interface setup circuitry for generating a set of control parameters, extract control parameters having an access level equal to or lower than the access level of the user logged in to the control device; and a graphic generating circuitry for generating a graphical control interface comprising control graphics enabling control of different states of operation of the electronic device corresponding to the extracted control parameters.