Device Controller Screen Segmentation for Home Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Controlling multiple home load devices using a smartphone requires starting dedicated application software for each device, leading to complex operations and user interface challenges.
Innovation Solution
A device controller with a display unit featuring separate screens for mandatory and non-mandatory operations, using a predetermined communication protocol like ECHONET Lite, allows users to select and control load devices with focused functionality on one screen and additional operations on another, simplifying the user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated application software is started for each load device, then each device can be controlled with specific functionality, but the operation becomes complex and the user interface becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control interface into two distinct screens: a first screen displaying selection objects for choosing load devices and a second screen displaying operation objects for controlling selected devices. This segmentation separates device selection from device control operations, allowing users to manage multiple devices through a unified interface without needing to switch between multiple dedicated applications, thereby reducing operation complexity while maintaining comprehensive control functionality.
2Ease of operation
If all operation objects are displayed on one screen, then the interface is simple to navigate, but the screen becomes cluttered and difficult to read
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the user interface into two separate screens to resolve the contradiction between navigability and information density. The first screen is dedicated to displaying selection objects and device status information, while the second screen displays operation objects for controlling selected devices. This segmentation ensures that each screen presents information in a focused, readable format without clutter, while maintaining easy navigation between screens through the selection operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate application software is used for each load device, then comprehensive device-specific control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control interface that can manage multiple different types of load devices through a single application. The system displays selection objects representing different load devices on the first screen and provides unified operation objects on the second screen that can control various device types. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated applications for each device type, reducing software management complexity while maintaining the ability to perform device-specific control operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Even when a user wants to easily operate a plurality of load devices in his or her home using an information terminal device, dedicated application software needs to be started for each load device, which makes the operation complex. A device controller capable of controlling a plurality of load devices, includes: a controller; and a display unit having a first screen and a second screen, wherein the controller is configured to cause the display unit to display, in the first screen, a selection object that instructs a user to select at least one of the plurality of load devices and a first operation object that instructs a user to perform a first type of operation relating to the plurality of load devices, and display, in the second screen, a second operation object including a second type of operation not included in the first operation object.