Generic operating element for networked domestic appliances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for operating and monitoring networked household appliances are complex and inefficient, as they require separate applications for each appliance type, limiting functionality and failing to dynamically adapt to changes in appliance accessories or states.
Innovation Solution
A method and device providing a generic user interface with adaptable operating elements, using a description file to define which elements are required for each appliance, allowing for a unified control interface across various appliances and devices, enabling dynamic adjustment based on current states and available options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate applications are developed for each household appliance type, then the specific functions and parameters of each appliance can be fully operated, but the development complexity increases and the number of applications required becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal operating application that can control multiple types of household appliances through a standardized interface. The system uses generic operating elements that can be dynamically configured to represent different appliance-specific functions, allowing one application to serve multiple purposes across diverse device types without requiring separate applications for each appliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control interface into reusable generic operating elements (such as start/stop buttons, parameter sliders, mode selectors) that can be individually configured and combined. Each appliance type is represented by a specific configuration of these generic elements rather than requiring completely separate interface designs, reducing development complexity while maintaining appliance-specific functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If a simplified generic interface is used across different appliance types, then development effort is reduced, but the range of operable functions is limited compared to the full functionality of the appliances
Solution Approach 1:
The operating interface dynamically adapts its configuration based on the selected appliance type and current operating state. Generic operating elements are enabled, disabled, or modified in real-time to reflect the currently available functions and parameters. This dynamic behavior allows the simplified generic interface to access the full range of appliance-specific functions without requiring separate hard-coded interfaces for each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters of the generic operating elements (such as which elements are visible, their current values, their enabled/disabled state) based on the appliance type and operating context. This parameter-driven approach allows the same base interface structure to provide access to diverse appliance functions by simply adjusting which generic elements are active and how they are configured, rather than requiring different interface code for each appliance type.
3Loss of information
If the operating interface shows all possible functions, then complete information is provided, but the interface becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The interface applies local quality by showing different sets of generic operating elements depending on the specific appliance type and current operating state. Instead of displaying all possible functions for all appliances simultaneously, the interface locally adapts to show only the relevant subset of functions for the currently selected device, maintaining information completeness for that specific context while preserving simplicity for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface dynamically adjusts which generic operating elements are displayed and enabled based on the appliance type and operating state. Functions that are not currently available or relevant are hidden or disabled, while available functions are prominently displayed. This dynamic filtering maintains complete information about what is currently operable without overwhelming the user with irrelevant options.
4Ease of operation
If the interface dynamically adapts to appliance state and accessories, then the most relevant functions are always available, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects the appliance type, current operating state, and connected accessories, then self-configures the generic operating elements to reflect the currently available functions. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual configuration or complex user setup, as the interface automatically adapts to the specific context. The increased system complexity is managed through automated detection and configuration rather than manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the appliance state and accessory connections, using this feedback to dynamically adjust which generic operating elements are displayed and enabled. When accessories are connected or operating conditions change, the interface receives feedback about the new state and automatically reconfigures to show the most relevant functions. This feedback-driven approach ensures the interface always presents the most appropriate controls without requiring user awareness of the underlying complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method (400) for creating an operating interface (200) for a first domestic appliance (103) from a plurality of domestic appliances (103). The method (400) comprises providing (401) a plurality of different generic operating elements (211) for specifying different functionalities and/or parameters of the plurality of domestic appliances. The method also comprises determining (402) description data (300) for the first domestic appliance (103). The description data (300) indicate which one or more of the plurality of generic operating elements (211) are used to operate the first domestic appliance (103) and which functionalities and/or parameter values of the first domestic appliance (103) can be set by means of the one or more generic operating elements (211) used. The method (400) also comprises creating (403) the operating interface (200) for the first domestic appliance (103) on the input/output unit (104) of a control unit (101) on the basis of the plurality of different generic operating elements (211) and on the basis of the description data (300) for the first domestic appliance (103).