Home Concierge Interface for Unified Device Support and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack an efficient and user-centric method for managing and supporting diverse consumer devices in the home environment, particularly in registering, controlling, and providing technical support for consumer appliances and electronics, which are often not smart and not connected to the cloud.
Innovation Solution
A concierge device that connects to a home management bridge and cloud-based management servers, enabling dynamic menu acceptance, voice or video support, and automated troubleshooting, allowing users to initiate support calls and manage consumer devices with ease, while also displaying supplemental information like advertising.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a concierge device is introduced to manage consumer devices, then ease of operation and user support are improved, but device complexity and system integration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The concierge device serves as an intermediary between the user and multiple consumer devices (TV, audio system, streaming devices). It provides a unified remote control interface that simplifies operation by consolidating control functions into a single device with dynamic menus that adapt to the selected consumer device, eliminating the need for users to manage multiple remote controls and complex device-specific interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The concierge device is designed as a universal control system that can manage multiple types of consumer devices through a single interface. It implements multi-functionality by providing device selection, dynamic menu generation, and unified control capabilities that work across different device types (video, audio, streaming), thereby improving ease of operation without requiring separate control mechanisms for each device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic menus are implemented to provide wide range of functions, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity and software requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The concierge device implements dynamic menus that automatically adapt and reconfigure based on the selected consumer device. When a user selects a different device (e.g., switching from TV to audio system), the menu structure, options, and control functions dynamically change to match the capabilities and requirements of the selected device. This dynamic behavior provides high adaptability and versatility while keeping the underlying system relatively simple through rule-based menu generation.
3Productivity
If automated troubleshooting and support protocols are implemented, then productivity and support efficiency are improved, but device complexity and automation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The concierge device implements automated troubleshooting and support protocols that enable self-service capabilities. When a user encounters device issues, the system automatically initiates diagnostic routines, retrieves device status information, and guides users through troubleshooting steps without requiring manual intervention from support personnel. This automation improves productivity and support efficiency by resolving common issues independently while reducing the burden on users.
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.