Location-Aware Remote Control Interface for Home Network Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional remote control systems for home networks are inconvenient when used outdoors, as users cannot monitor the operation status of controlled devices like TVs without direct visibility, and maintaining VPN connections is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus providing a location-specific Control User Interface (CUI) for remote controllers, allowing users to monitor device operation status and send control commands via cellular or wireless networks, eliminating the need for VPN connections and enhancing user experience with location-aware CUIs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If VPN connection is used to maintain outdoor remote control, then connection capability is improved, but maintenance cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the VPN connection requirement by introducing a gateway device that acts as an intermediary. The gateway establishes the VPN connection with the home network, while the mobile terminal communicates with the gateway through simpler wireless protocols, eliminating the need for the mobile terminal to directly maintain complex VPN connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway serves as an intermediary between the mobile terminal and the home network. It receives control commands from the mobile terminal and forwards them through the VPN connection to the home network devices, simplifying the connection architecture and reducing maintenance complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If user controls device from outdoor location, then mobility is improved, but ability to monitor operation status deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the home network device interface on the mobile terminal screen. The gateway captures the display information from the home network device and transmits it to the mobile terminal, allowing the user to view operation status remotely as if viewing the original device.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway acts as an intermediary that captures display information from the home network device and relays it to the mobile terminal, enabling remote visualization of device status without requiring direct line-of-sight to the original device.
3Ease of operation
If location-specific CUI is provided, then user experience is improved, but information processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements location-specific Control User Interfaces by detecting the terminal's location and providing customized control options appropriate for that location. The gateway analyzes location information and configures the CUI accordingly, showing only relevant controls and information for the current context.
Solution Approach 2:
The CUI dynamically adapts its content and configuration based on the terminal's location and environmental context. The gateway continuously monitors location data and adjusts the displayed controls and information hierarchy to optimize usability for the current situation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses are provided for providing a Control User Interface (CUI) by a terminal. A location of the terminal is identified. The CUI, including information corresponding to the location of the terminal, is displayed. A command for controlling a device is generated based on the displayed CUI. The command is transmitted to the device or to a server connected to the device. The information corresponding to the location of the terminal is received from the device or from the server.