Unified Home Automation Console for Flexible Multi-Device Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current home and building automation systems are expensive to install and configure, require specialized technicians, and lack flexibility to adapt to changing user needs, leading to unnecessary maintenance and infrastructure changes.

Innovation Solution

A scalable integrated system that unifies control of various environmental and technological systems through a central console with advanced connectivity options, sensors, and voice recognition, allowing users to monitor and manage settings remotely and customize their environment with ease.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional home automation systems are installed with multiple separate control systems, then each system can be dedicated to specific functions, but the system becomes expensive and requires specialized technicians for installation and configuration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate control systems (lighting, shading, audio, video, security) into a single integrated control unit that can manage all functions through a unified interface, eliminating the need for multiple standalone control stations and reducing installation complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit is designed with universal functionality to handle diverse system types including lighting control, shading control, audio/video management, and security monitoring through a single device, making the system adaptable without requiring specialized equipment for each function

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional automation systems are configured with fixed infrastructure, then initial needs are met, but future adaptations require new conduits and masonry works

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic configuration capabilities where control parameters, device pairings, and system architecture can be modified through software without physical reconfiguration, allowing the system to adapt to changing user needs without structural modifications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical wiring and physical infrastructure changes with wireless communication and software-based configuration, enabling system adaptations through digital means rather than requiring new conduits and masonry works

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

3Ease of operation

If multiple remote control systems and control stations are deployed, then various functions can be controlled, but the system becomes expensive and requires multiple Apps on smartphone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidsystem quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple control stations and remote control systems into a single unified control unit that provides comprehensive control over all home automation functions through one interface, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices and applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit achieves universal control capability across lighting, shading, audio, video, and security systems through a single multi-functional device, allowing users to manage diverse functions without deploying multiple specialized control systems

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

4Reliability

If specialized technicians are used for system installation and configuration, then proper system setup is achieved, but the cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem setup qualityVSAvoidinstallation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit incorporates self-configuration capabilities with automated device detection, automatic network setup, and intuitive user interfaces that guide end-users through installation and configuration processes without requiring specialized technician intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system includes pre-configured communication protocols, pre-established device compatibility frameworks, and pre-programmed control algorithms that enable plug-and-play installation, reducing the need for complex on-site configuration by specialists

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3969968B1Integrated scalable system for managing and monitoring a home or work environment
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 INT SECURITY SERVICE VIGILANZA SPA
  • EP3969968B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

Integrated scalable system for managing and monitoring a home or work environment, comprising a console (100) with: - luminosity sensor (111); - slot for a SIM card (125); - internet or local connection system (160) accessible by all devices associated to the console (100); - processor (150), adapted to collect all the data from the sensors and detectors connected to the console (100) to process them and manage the corresponding actuators and devices for maintaining the parameters desired by said manager user; comprising sensors, detectors, actuators and devices, such as: - electronic lock for each door connected to at least one video intercom (30); - connection device (92) installed at each meter (91) of the appliances; - temperature sensor (80) connected to an air conditioner (85); - luminous bodies (60); - window shielding devices (70).