Integrated GUI for Controlling Multiple External Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control applications for external devices are often exclusive and limited to specific devices, making it difficult for users to effectively control multiple external devices simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A device and method for generating a graphical user interface (GUI) that integrates control applications for multiple external devices by determining interaction with an integrated control application, generating objects to control specific functions, and adding them to a unified GUI for seamless device control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If exclusive control applications are provided for each external device, then each device can be controlled with dedicated functionality, but users face difficulty controlling multiple external devices simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol capability for multiple devicesVSAvoidnumber of control applications
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple exclusive control applications into a single integrated control application that can control multiple external devices. The integrated GUI combines control interfaces for different devices (TV, audio device, streaming device) into one unified interface, eliminating the need for users to switch between multiple separate applications while maintaining device-specific control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated control application is designed with multi-functionality to control various types of external devices through a single application. The system provides universal control capabilities by detecting available external devices and dynamically generating appropriate control interfaces within the same application framework, rather than requiring separate dedicated applications for each device type.

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

2Ease of operation

If a control application for controlling external devices altogether is provided, then device control is simplified, but control function is limited to only some predetermined external devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegrated control interfaceVSAvoidcompatibility with external devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control application employs dynamic interface generation that adapts to the specific external devices detected in the environment. Rather than providing a static predetermined interface, the system dynamically creates control interfaces based on real-time device detection and availability, allowing the same application to accommodate different combinations of external devices while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs automatic device detection and self-configuration when external devices are connected. The integrated control application automatically identifies available external devices, determines their types and capabilities, and generates appropriate control interfaces without requiring manual configuration or pre-programming for each specific device combination, thereby achieving both ease of operation and broad adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3477451B1Device and method for generating GUI for controlling external device
Publication Date: 2023.05.31 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3477451B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3477451B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3477451B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a device and method for generating a graphic user interface (GUI) for controlling a plurality of external devices. The device includes a communication interface configured to communicate with the plurality of external devices and download a plurality of control applications to control the plurality of external devices, a processor configured to collect, from the plurality of downloaded control applications, function information to control the plurality of external devices, and configured to provide an integrated application to control the plurality of external devices by using the collected function information, and a display displaying the GUI for controlling the plurality of external devices when the integrated application is executed.