Home Concierge Interface for Smart Device Onboarding and Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home automation systems lack a centralized, user-friendly method for registering, controlling, and supporting consumer devices, leading to frustration and inefficiency in managing and troubleshooting smart home technologies.
Innovation Solution
A concierge device that connects to both home management bridges and cloud-based servers, allowing for dynamic menu acceptance, voice or video support, and automated troubleshooting, enabling easy onboarding of new devices and providing a single interface for managing various consumer devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a centralized concierge device is implemented to manage consumer devices, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The concierge device serves as an intermediary between the user and multiple consumer devices. It provides a unified interface that abstracts the complexity of individual device protocols and registration processes, allowing users to manage diverse devices through a single point of control without needing to understand each device's specific communication requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The concierge device is designed with multi-functionality to handle various consumer devices (televisions, audio equipment, gaming consoles, etc.) through a single platform. It performs multiple functions including device registration, control, troubleshooting, and support coordination, thereby improving ease of operation across different device types while consolidating complexity into one universal device.
2Productivity
If automated troubleshooting and support protocols are implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The concierge device implements automated troubleshooting protocols that enable self-service capabilities. When a consumer device experiences issues, the concierge device automatically initiates diagnostic routines, collects device information, and attempts to resolve problems without requiring immediate human intervention. This self-service approach improves productivity by quickly resolving common issues while the automated protocols manage the complexity internally.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically gathering device information, configuring communication protocols, and preparing troubleshooting data before user interaction is needed. When a user reports an issue, the concierge device has already collected relevant device identifiers, status information, and diagnostic data, enabling faster resolution and improving productivity while the preliminary setup handles the complexity in advance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic menu acceptance is implemented for device control, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The concierge device implements dynamic menu acceptance where the user interface and control options adapt in real-time based on the selected consumer device. When a user selects a specific device type (e.g., television vs. audio receiver), the concierge device dynamically generates and presents relevant control menus and options tailored to that device's capabilities. This dynamic adaptation improves versatility while the automated menu generation manages the underlying complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
We disclose a concierge device that can be configured to register, control and support a consumer device. It can alternatively or redundantly connect to a home management bridge and/or cloud-based management servers. It can accept menus that allow a single concierge device to provide a wide range of functions for various consumer devices. The concierge device allows the user in a single action to initiate a support session, automatically identifying the consumer device. The concierge device can be configured for voice or video support calls. The concierge device in conjunction with a home management bridge or gateway can manage on boarding of components of an automated home, such as switches and lamps. Implementations of the concierge device that include a display can show supplemental information, such as advertising, optionally in coordination with media being played on a consumer device coupled in communication with the concierge device.