Method for controlling information apparatus and computer-readable recording medium
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote control systems for managing multiple target devices require complex operation steps, integrating multiple functions into a single remote controller, which increases the number of steps needed to operate each device, complicating the process and reducing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method that displays a floor plan with device icons for each room, allowing users to select a device icon to control the corresponding device's on-off state directly, eliminating the need for separate operation screens and reducing the number of steps required to operate devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate operation screens and buttons are used for each target device, then device control functionality is achieved, but the number of operation steps increases and user efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the floor plan display and device operation interface into a single integrated screen. Device icons are directly placed on the floor plan at their corresponding locations, allowing users to control devices by selecting icons on the map rather than navigating through separate operation screens. This combines spatial visualization with device control functionality, reducing operation steps while maintaining clear device identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The floor plan serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a spatial navigation map and a device control interface. The same display shows room layouts for orientation and device icons for control, eliminating the need for separate screens for each function. This multi-functionality reduces the overall complexity of the system while improving ease of operation.
2Loss of information
If device icons are displayed in a separate list or screen, then device identification is clear, but users must navigate between screens increasing operation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional list view of devices to a two-dimensional spatial representation on the floor plan. Device icons are positioned at their actual locations within room boundaries on the map, adding spatial context to device identification. This dimensional change allows users to locate devices visually on the map without navigating through lists or separate screens, reducing both information loss and time loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple remote controllers are used for different devices, then each device can be controlled independently, but system complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The single remote controller achieves multi-functionality by displaying and controlling multiple target devices through a unified floor plan interface. The controller can select and operate different devices by navigating to their locations on the map and selecting their icons, eliminating the need for multiple specialized remote controllers while maintaining independent control capability for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface dynamically adapts to user selections on the floor plan. When a user selects a device icon, the system provides context-specific control options for that device while maintaining the overall floor plan view. This dynamic response allows a single controller to handle multiple devices efficiently without requiring separate static interfaces for each device.
Data Source
AI summary
A control method according to the present disclosure causes a computer of an information apparatus to: display on a display, a display screen representing a floor plan of one floor including at least two or more rooms; display each device icon representing each of one or more target devices in a region of each room, the one or more target devices including a specific target device that stores a set content when power has been previously turned off; and when selection of the device icon that represents the specific target device in any region of the at least two or more rooms is sensed, and selection of any region in the room, in which the selection of the device icon has been sensed, is sensed, output an on-off control command for controlling an on-off state of power of the specific target device corresponding to the room.