Mobile Hazard Detector Interface for Remote Night Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interconnected hazard detection systems in smart homes are limited in effectiveness when no one is present, as they rely on alarms that may not prevent property damage, and users face inconvenience in adjusting settings due to the location of detectors, especially smoke detectors.
Innovation Solution
A mobile user interface system that allows remote monitoring and adjustment of hazard detectors via a mobile device, enabling users to receive notifications and adjust settings wirelessly, even when away from the detection location, through a computer server system connected to the hazard detectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hazard detectors are installed in fixed locations (especially smoke detectors on ceilings), then hazard detection coverage is improved, but user accessibility for adjusting settings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the hazard detector's control interface on a remote mobile device. Users can access and adjust detector settings, view status, and receive alerts through a mobile application that replicates the detector's functionality remotely, eliminating the need to physically access the ceiling-mounted detector.
2Device complexity
If hazard detectors rely on local alarms only, then device complexity is minimized, but effectiveness when no one is present deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication network (WiFi, cellular, or other wireless networks) as an intermediary between the hazard detector and the user's mobile device. This intermediary enables remote alert transmission and two-way communication without significantly increasing the complexity of the detector itself, allowing users to be notified of hazards even when away from the premises.
3Device complexity
If hazard detectors operate as standalone units, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to remote monitoring and control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality in the hazard detector by integrating both local alarm capabilities and remote communication functions into a single device. The detector can operate independently as a traditional alarm while simultaneously providing network connectivity for remote monitoring, control, and notification, making it adaptable to various usage scenarios without requiring multiple separate devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Various arrangements are presented for controlling a night light feature of a hazard detector. A user interface application executed on a mobile device may output, a graphical interface that provides an option to enable a night light feature of the hazard detector. The application may transmit data indicative of the night light feature being enabled and of an associated user account to a computer server system. The computer server system may receive and store data indicative of the night light feature being enabled and of the user account. The hazard detector may receive from the computer server system data indicative of the night light feature of the hazard detector being enabled by the application. The hazard detector may enable the plurality of LEDs to provide illumination in response to the received data indicative of the night light feature of the hazard detector being enabled by the application.