Apparatus Controller Priority Management for Home Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatus controllers for in-home devices face challenges in managing control priorities between multiple operating devices, leading to potential unintended changes in device states when lower-priority devices attempt to control apparatuses during or after higher-priority control sessions.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus controller that stores initial control information for a predetermined time period and only executes subsequent control information from a lower-priority device if received within that time frame, otherwise prioritizing and executing control from the higher-priority device after the initial period has expired.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the apparatus controller executes control information from multiple operating devices without priority management, then the device is highly responsive and flexible to user inputs, but unintended state changes occur when lower-priority devices interfere with higher-priority control sessions
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary actions by storing control information from higher-priority devices in a storage unit before executing it. This allows the system to prepare and maintain control states in advance, ensuring that when control information is received, the system can quickly determine whether to execute it based on priority comparison without interrupting ongoing control sessions. The storage unit holds control information for a predetermined time period, enabling responsive operation while maintaining stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus controller always executes the latest control information received, then the system is highly adaptive to changing user intentions, but higher-priority control states are disrupted by lower-priority devices
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements a feedback mechanism by comparing the priority of newly received control information with the priority of stored control information. When control information is received, the controller retrieves stored control information from the storage unit, compares priorities, and determines whether to execute the new control information or maintain the existing state. This feedback loop ensures that higher-priority control states are protected while still allowing lower-priority devices to adapt to changing user intentions when appropriate.
3Reliability
If the apparatus controller implements strict priority-based control execution, then control state stability is maintained, but lower-priority devices cannot make necessary changes even when appropriate
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements dynamic priority-based control execution by adjusting its behavior based on the timing and priority of received control information. When control information from a lower-priority device is received within the predetermined time period after higher-priority control information is stored, the controller maintains the higher-priority state. However, if control information is received after the predetermined time period has elapsed, the controller executes the new control information, allowing lower-priority devices to make necessary changes. This dynamic approach balances stability with flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus controller of the present disclosure is an apparatus controller for controlling an in-home apparatus, and includes a control unit for receiving first control information from a first operating device and controlling the apparatus according to the first control information, and a storage unit for storing the first control information for a predetermined time period after a start of first control according to the first control information, in which (i) when the control unit further receives second control information from a second operating device lower in priority than the first operating device within the predetermined time period for which the first control information is stored in the storage unit, the control unit does not control the apparatus according to the second control information, and (ii) when the control unit further receives the second control information from the second operating device after the predetermined time period, the control unit controls the apparatus according to the second control information.