Home Automation Control Interface Dynamic Graphic Modification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users find it difficult to intuitively and progressively control home automation equipment due to complex representation and configuration requirements, even with existing intuitive interfaces like those from Somfy's TaHoma software.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a control device that integrates a graphic representation of home automation equipment, allowing users to select conditional parameters such as duration or luminance values, modifying the graphic representation dynamically to reflect desired states and generate control commands, while maintaining a consistent graphic symbol for the equipment's type and state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If drop-down menus and multiple configuration screens are used to program home automation equipment, then the system can provide comprehensive control capabilities, but the user interface becomes complex and difficult to use intuitively
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration process is segmented into multiple simple steps rather than requiring users to navigate complex menus. Each step presents a single parameter or setting that can be easily configured, breaking down the overall configuration task into manageable, intuitive segments that guide users through the process sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the configuration interface by presenting parameters in a sequential timeline or process flow. Instead of requiring users to navigate through multiple screens with dropdown menus, the configuration is presented as a step-by-step journey where each step builds upon the previous one, creating a natural progression that feels more intuitive and less overwhelming.
2Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive configuration options are provided for home automation equipment, then the system can handle diverse control scenarios, but the programming complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting and pre-configuring parameters based on previous settings or default values. When users configure a parameter, the system proactively adjusts related parameters or suggests optimal settings, reducing the overall programming complexity while maintaining comprehensive configuration capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration system serves itself by automatically generating configuration options based on the equipment type and previously made selections. The system intelligently determines which parameters are relevant and presents only those to the user, eliminating the need to navigate through all possible configuration options manually.
3Loss of information
If multiple configuration screens are used to set up home automation scenarios, then all necessary parameters can be captured, but the time required for configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple configuration parameters that were previously spread across separate screens are merged into a single unified configuration view. The system combines related settings and parameters into one cohesive interface where users can review and adjust all relevant options simultaneously, reducing the time spent navigating between screens while ensuring no parameter is overlooked.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration actions by pre-filling parameter values based on equipment type, previous configurations, or manufacturer defaults. This allows users to review and adjust only the parameters that need customization rather than entering every parameter from scratch, significantly reducing configuration time while maintaining completeness.
Data Source
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AI summary
The operating method relates to a control device (102) configured to control home automation equipment (101a, 101b, 101c) of a home automation system (100) associated with a building. The control device (102) includes a display element equipped with a graphic display screen (103), at least a portion of which is dedicated to displaying a first graphic representation (104) symbolizing at least one of the home automation devices and a state of said at least one of the home automation devices.An interaction step (E1) with the control device (102) includes: - at least one selection step (E1-1) of a value of a conditional parameter associated with said state, - a modification step (E1-2) of the first graphical representation so as to integrate a graphical element as a function of the selected value of the conditional parameter, - a display step (E1-3) restoring the first modified graphical representation on said at least a part of the screen (103).