Home Gateway Group Control Using User Intervention Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

In smart home systems, users often find existing group control modes unsatisfactory and require manual intervention to adjust device settings, necessitating a method to dynamically change control modes based on user preferences and environmental conditions.

Innovation Solution

A system where a home gateway analyzes user intervention patterns and external environment data to suggest and implement new group control modes, allowing users to customize settings for improved satisfaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a predetermined group control mode is executed to automatically control multiple devices, then automation and convenience are improved, but user satisfaction deteriorates when the preset mode does not meet user needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegroup control mode executionVSAvoiduser satisfaction
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system monitors user intervention actions when manually adjusting device settings during group control mode execution. When similar intervention patterns are detected across multiple executions, the system automatically updates the predetermined group control mode to incorporate these user preferences, creating a feedback loop that continuously improves adaptation to user needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The group control mode transitions from a static predetermined configuration to a dynamic adaptive mode that evolves based on observed user behavior. The control mode is no longer fixed but dynamically adjusts its parameters based on accumulated user intervention data, allowing it to adapt to changing user preferences over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual intervention is allowed to adjust device settings, then user satisfaction is improved, but automation deteriorates due to increased user burden

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser satisfactionVSAvoidmanual intervention requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-updating of the group control mode by automatically analyzing user intervention patterns and modifying the predetermined settings without requiring explicit user reconfiguration. The system serves itself by learning from user behavior and autonomously adapting the control mode, eliminating the need for manual reprogramming while maintaining high user satisfaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If group control mode is executed to control multiple devices, then operational efficiency is improved, but flexibility deteriorates when users need to adjust settings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidsettings flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of user intervention patterns by monitoring and storing adjustment actions taken during group control executions. This preliminary data collection enables the system to proactively update the group control mode with learned preferences, so that future executions automatically incorporate optimal settings without requiring real-time adjustments, thus maintaining both efficiency and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3205057B1Method and apparatus for dynamically changing group control mode by using user intervention information
Publication Date: 2023.11.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3205057B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3205057B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3205057B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a sensor network, Machine Type Communication (MTC), Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication, and technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the above technologies, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. A method and an apparatus for dynamically changing a group control mode for operating a plurality of devices based on user intervention information according to a user's need are provided. A method of changing a group control mode using user intervention information by a home gateway includes executing the group control mode for controlling functions of a group of devices according to a predetermined setting, determining whether a user intervention condition is met, and, when the user intervention condition is met, suggesting a change to the group control mode based on pre-stored user intervention information and external environment data to a user.