Home Automation Touch Interface for Group and Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home automation control interfaces are complex and lack simplicity and intuitiveness, particularly in configuring and controlling groups of equipment, leading to cumbersome user interactions.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a touch screen interface that displays equipment and grouping icons at different levels, allowing default control of all associated equipment with a selected grouping icon until an individual equipment icon is chosen, using virtual command keys that adapt based on the type and location of equipment, simplifying the control process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a graphical interface with multiple levels of icons and menus is used to control home automation equipment, then the functionality and control capabilities are improved, but the interface complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into two distinct levels: a first level displaying equipment icons and a second level displaying grouping icons. This segmentation allows users to navigate between individual equipment control and group control without being overwhelmed by a single complex interface, thereby maintaining functionality while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface dynamically adapts its behavior based on the selection state. When grouping icons are selected, the system provides group-level control; when equipment icons are selected, it provides individual equipment control. This dynamic adaptation allows the same interface to serve multiple control needs without requiring separate complex interfaces for each mode.
2Productivity
If multiple equipment items are controlled simultaneously through groups or scenarios, then the productivity and efficiency are improved, but the device complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the control interface by adding a second level for grouping icons above the first level of equipment icons. This dimensional organization allows equipment to be logically grouped without adding complexity to the individual equipment control, enabling simultaneous control of multiple items through a structured hierarchy rather than flat enumeration.
Solution Approach 2:
The command keys serve multiple functions depending on the selection state: they can control individual equipment when equipment icons are selected, or control multiple equipment items when grouping icons are selected. This multi-functionality allows the same interface elements to handle both individual and group control operations, improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a touch screen with virtual command keys is used, then the ease of operation and user experience are improved, but the reliability and precision of control may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The interface provides visual feedback by displaying which icons are selected and what control mode is active. The system shows the current state clearly on the touch screen, allowing users to verify their selections before executing commands. This feedback mechanism ensures that even with touch interface imprecision, the intended control action is confirmed, maintaining reliability while preserving ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a control device for a home automation apparatus for a building, the device including a display screen which, at a first level, is allocated to display apparatus icons and, at a second level, grouping icons, a set of home automation apparatuses being associated with a grouping icon, and means for selecting at least one grouping icon and/or at least one apparatus icon, characterized in that an action on a control key has the effect of controlling all of the apparatuses associated with a plurality of selected icons of a single level while no icon of another level is selected.