Home Automation Control Interface With Linked Equipment Manuals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current home automation systems lack user-friendly tools for maintenance and diagnostics, as existing configuration tools do not allow users to understand or control home automation equipment effectively, especially after installation, and do not provide accessible user manuals for equipment operation.

Innovation Solution

A method and control device that retrieve and display type information and user manuals for home automation equipment, allowing users to access instructions and diagnostic aids through a graphical interface, enabling simplified maintenance and troubleshooting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If configuration tools are used for home automation equipment, then installation and integration are simplified, but users cannot access equipment manuals or understand equipment operation after installation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveInstallation simplicityVSAvoidEquipment understanding and maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a configuration tool during installation and as a long-term operation and maintenance interface. The device universally manages the entire lifecycle of home automation equipment, from initial setup to ongoing maintenance, eliminating the need for separate configuration and user manual systems.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The control device acts as an intermediary between users and home automation equipment. It provides access to equipment manuals, technical information, and diagnostic tools through its interface, mediating the interaction between users and complex automation systems. This intermediary role enables users to understand and maintain equipment without direct access to the equipment itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If comprehensive control features are added to the control device, then functionality increases, but interface complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveControl functionalityVSAvoidInterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device interface is segmented into distinct functional areas: equipment control functions, manual access functions, diagnostic functions, and configuration functions. Each segment can be accessed independently through the graphical interface, allowing comprehensive functionality while maintaining interface simplicity through modular organization of controls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3073335B1Method for controlling a home-automation facility of a building and associated control device
Publication Date: 2021.08.18 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP3073335B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3073335B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3073335B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method for controlling a home automation installation of a building, the home automation installation comprising a plurality of home automation equipment and sensors placed in living areas inside and outside the building and a control device, the control device comprising a data input device and a display device, the display device having a graphic representation screen, the control device being configured to control the operation of home automation equipment and/or to communicate with the sensors, characterized in that said method comprises at least the following steps: - retrieval of at least one type information associated with a first home automation equipment, - on request, in particular on request from a user, display of the type characteristics of the first home automation equipment and a link interface to a user manual associated with the type of the first home automation equipment, - upon activation of the link interface, in particular on activation via a user action, display of the associated user manual.