Door Communication System Voice Message Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing home automation systems lack effective communication of complex relationships between multiple states of different household appliances, relying on serial processing of individual states which is inefficient for conveying dependencies and statuses.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a door communication system to record and combine multiple states or events of household appliances into a list of voice messages, assembling them into a complex voice message for transmission to a DCS station, enabling coherent representation and communication of dependencies without additional display means.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple states and events of household appliances are processed individually and serially, then the processing logic is simple, but the communication efficiency and ability to convey relationships between states deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidprocessing logic complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple individual state messages into a single composite voice message that conveys multiple appliance states simultaneously. Instead of processing each state separately through serial communication, the system merges multiple state indicators (e.g., door status, alarm status, lighting status) into one integrated voice announcement, thereby improving communication efficiency without significantly increasing processing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a message assembly intermediary that collects individual state messages and combines them into a composite voice message. This intermediary component acts as a mediator between the individual appliance state sensors and the final communication output, enabling efficient bulk communication while maintaining relatively simple individual processing logic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If a door station is equipped with additional display means to show appliance states, then the information presentation capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation presentation capabilityVSAvoiddoor station complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/visual display system with an acoustic communication system. Instead of using displays, LEDs, or other visual indicators to present appliance states at the door station, the system uses voice synthesis and audio output to convey the same information. This substitution maintains full information presentation capability while avoiding the complexity and cost of additional display hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the door station's loudspeaker serve multiple functions: it not only outputs incoming voice messages but also serves as the output device for synthesized appliance status messages. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate display hardware, reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive information presentation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If existing door stations with simple buttons and loudspeakers are used, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the ability to provide status feedback from alarm systems deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor station simplicityVSAvoidstatus feedback capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the existing door station to provide status feedback functionality by itself, without requiring additional specialized hardware or complex modifications. The system uses the door station's existing loudspeaker and control logic to synthesize and output appliance status messages, allowing the simple device to perform the versatile function of bidirectional communication with alarm and appliance systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2651108B1Method for signalling states and/or events of domestic appliances by means of a door communication system
Publication Date: 2016.04.06 GIRA GIERSIEPEN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2651108B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The method involves detecting a state and/or an event of domestic appliances (11,12). A voice message based on the state and/or event is selected on the basis of a stored allocation table. The selected voice message is transmitted as analog audio signal or digital audio data stream for output to a door communication system station (21,22). Several states and/or events of the domestic appliances are acquired, and a list of selected voice messages is assigned and is assembled to a complex voice message before transmission to the door communication system station. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) logic unit for signaling states and/or events of domestic appliances; and (2) door communication system.