Graphical Component Configuration for Multi-Device Control Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers face complexity in interconnecting disparate electronic devices due to the lack of industry standards for control interfaces and the requirement for technical expertise to customize systems using high-level computer languages, which are often proprietary and not user-accessible.
Innovation Solution
A multimedia controller with a graphical user interface configuration tool that allows users to select and connect devices through a library of component profiles, providing visual indications of compatible connections and generating installation instructions, along with a metadata management facility and graphical programming environment for customizing user interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a central controller operating on high-level computer language is used to integrate disparate components, then system integration capability is improved, but user accessibility and ease of customization deteriorate because source code is not available and requires technical expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a graphical configuration tool as an intermediary layer between the user and the central controller. This tool provides a visual interface with drag-and-drop component selection, connection visualization, and automatic code generation, eliminating the need for users to directly interact with proprietary high-level computer language source code while maintaining full system integration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual representation (graphical model) of the system configuration that mirrors the actual controller architecture. Users interact with simplified graphical components and connections that are automatically translated into the underlying controller code, allowing customization without direct code manipulation
2Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary communication protocols with detailed source code are used by manufacturers, then device functionality is improved, but system integrability and ease of control deteriorate due to lack of industry standards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal graphical configuration environment that can interface with multiple proprietary protocols through a single standardized visual interface. The configuration tool serves multiple functions: visualizing connections, generating protocol-specific code, and managing diverse device types without requiring users to learn each proprietary protocol
Solution Approach 2:
The graphical configuration tool acts as a mediator that translates between universal visual representation and proprietary protocol implementations. It handles the complexity of detailed source code and protocol specifics internally while presenting a simplified, protocol-agnostic interface to users
3Adaptability or versatility
If source code modification is required to accommodate new devices, then system adaptability is improved, but ease of maintenance and update deteriorate due to technical expertise requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains a visual copy of the system configuration that automatically reflects the actual controller state. When new devices are added or modified, users update the graphical representation, and the system automatically regenerates the necessary code, eliminating manual source code modification and reducing maintenance complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration tool provides self-service functionality by automatically generating and updating controller code based on visual configuration changes. This automation eliminates the need for users to manually modify source code, making system adaptation accessible to non-programmers and simplifying maintenance
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, graphical programming is used to configure a system of audio, video, lighting, HVAC and/or security components. Representations of components from a component library are displayed. Each representation of a component corresponds to a physical component that is available for inclusion in the system and associated with a corresponding component profile for that physical component that includes information regarding the component's capabilities. A selected plurality of representations of components from the component library are placed in a configuration workspace of the graphical user interface, to indicate their inclusion in the system. One or more realized services that the system is capable of providing are determined based on the selected plurality of components; and indications of the one or more realized services that the system is capable of providing are displayed to the user.