Control unit and method for controlling a user interface of an appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household appliances with limited user interface output and input capabilities restrict comfortable and reliable user interaction, as they cannot display all menu points and parameters in a self-explanatory manner due to space and cost constraints.
Innovation Solution
A control unit that integrates a local user interface on the appliance with a remote user interface on a mobile device, allowing seamless interaction by detecting user inputs and redirecting the user to the selected submenu on the remote device for detailed display and extended functionality, using wireless communication networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a local user interface with limited display screen and control elements is used, then cost and space requirements are reduced, but user interaction comfort and information display capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the user and the appliance. The mobile device runs an application that provides an extended user interface, allowing users to interact with the appliance remotely. This intermediary resolves the contradiction by maintaining a simple local interface while providing comprehensive control and information display capabilities through the mobile device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the user interface from the two-dimensional limited display of the appliance to the larger screen of the mobile device. By moving the primary interaction interface to another dimension (the user's handheld device), the system provides rich visual information and control options without increasing the physical size or cost of the appliance itself.
2Volume of moving object
If a local user interface with limited display screen is used, then the appliance size and cost are reduced, but the ability to display menu points in a self-explanatory manner deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the user interface on the mobile device. The application on the mobile device replicates and extends the appliance's control interface, providing full visual information about menu points, parameters, and appliance status. This copying approach allows the appliance to maintain a minimal physical interface while the mobile device displays comprehensive information.
3Ease of operation
If a remote user interface on a mobile device is added, then user interaction comfort and information display are improved, but device complexity and communication requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the mobile device's existing capabilities (processor, display, communication interfaces) to provide extended user interface functionality. Rather than adding dedicated hardware to the appliance, the system uses the user's existing mobile device for its universal computing and display capabilities, thereby improving user interaction without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
4Area of stationary object
If menu points are displayed using simple numbers on the local interface, then space requirements are reduced, but user understanding and ease of selection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transfers the detailed display of menu points from the constrained two-dimensional local display to the larger screen of the mobile device. On the mobile device, menu points can be displayed with full textual descriptions, icons, and visual indicators, providing self-explanatory information that aids user understanding while the local interface maintains its compact size with simple numerical identifiers.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control unit (114) for an appliance (110) is described, wherein the appliance (110) comprises a local user interface located at the appliance (110); wherein the appliance (110) comprises a control menu (200) with one or more submenus (201, 202) for selecting an operation program and/or for setting an operation parameter of the appliance (110); and wherein the appliance (110) is configured to be controlled using a remote user interface on a user device (120). The control unit (114) is configured to detect a user input at the local user interface for selecting a submenu (201, 202) of the control menu (200); and, in reaction to the detected user input, to cause the remote user interface to provide the selected submenu (201, 202) on the user device (120).