Home Automation Matrix Interface for Multi-Condition Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home automation control devices are limited in simplifying the creation and display of complex conditional orders, particularly in handling multiple conditions and actions, which can lead to user complexity and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a control device that utilizes a matrix table interface for selecting and positioning condition icons, allowing users to define multi-conditional command orders using logical AND and OR operations, with restrictions to prevent contradictory conditions, and enabling easy selection and positioning of actions, enhancing ergonomic programming and clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional control interfaces are used for programming home automation scenarios, then basic control functions can be implemented, but the complexity of creating and managing multi-conditional commands increases significantly for users
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into distinct functional zones: a conditions selection area with categorized icons, a matrix table for positioning, and an actions selection area. This segmentation allows users to interact with one element at a time rather than managing all conditions and actions simultaneously, reducing cognitive load while maintaining full programming capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to condition programming through the matrix table structure. Conditions are positioned in rows and columns where the position itself encodes logical relationships (same row = logical OR, same column = logical AND). This transforms abstract logical operations into intuitive spatial arrangements, making complex conditional programming visually manageable
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conditions are allowed in automation commands to handle complex scenarios, then programming flexibility improves, but the clarity and manageability of programmed automations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface uses color coding to differentiate between condition types (e.g., time conditions, environmental conditions, occupancy conditions) and to visually group related conditions in the matrix table. Selected conditions are highlighted with distinct colors, providing immediate visual feedback about the current programming state and enhancing the clarity of complex multi-condition configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The matrix table acts as an intermediary structure between condition selection and logical relationship definition. Rather than requiring users to explicitly define logical operators between multiple conditions, the table's spatial structure automatically establishes the logical relationships based on position, simplifying the programming process while maintaining full expressive power
3Adaptability or versatility
If a comprehensive set of condition icons is provided to users, then the functionality of the control device is enhanced, but the difficulty of selecting and positioning conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The comprehensive set of condition icons is segmented into categorized groups (time-based conditions, environmental conditions, occupancy conditions, etc.) with each group visually distinct. This categorization allows users to quickly locate relevant conditions without being overwhelmed by the total number of available options, maintaining full functionality while improving selectability
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the interface are assigned specific qualities: the conditions area provides visual categorization and selection, the matrix table provides spatial positioning with automatic logical relationship inference, and the actions area provides outcome selection. Each zone is optimized for its specific function, making the overall complex task of creating multi-conditional automations feel like a series of simple, localized decisions
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for operating a control device for a home automation system in a building, the control device comprising a data input device and a display device, the control device being configured to control the operation of home automation equipment and communicate with sensors, the method comprising at least the following steps for configuring an automation: - selection of an icon representing a first condition for implementing an action related to the system from a set of proposed condition icons, - positioning of the first selected condition in a matrix table containing the condition icons, - selection of an icon representing a second condition for implementing an action related to the system,- Positioning the icon representing the second condition on the same row or column as the icon representing the first condition in the matrix table.