Messenger-Based IoT Control via Hub Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a more convenient and user-friendly method to control IoT devices in the home environment, as existing solutions often require complex inputs and lack intuitive interfaces for commanding multiple devices simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A terminal apparatus equipped with a communicator, display, and processor that uses a messenger program to transmit control signals to IoT devices through a hub device, allowing users to input commands via icons, text, drawings, or voice, and group multiple devices for simultaneous control without the need for separate installations or complicated processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional IoT control interface is used, then device control functionality is provided, but the operation complexity increases and user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The messenger program is designed to serve dual purposes: traditional messaging functionality and IoT device control. By making the messenger program multi-functional, users can control IoT devices through a familiar interface without needing separate control applications, thereby improving ease of operation while avoiding additional interface complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically registers hub devices and IoT devices as counterparts in the messenger program without requiring manual configuration. This self-service mechanism eliminates complex setup procedures and allows users to immediately control devices through simple messaging actions, significantly improving ease of operation
2Productivity
If multiple IoT devices are controlled individually, then precise device control is achieved, but the time consumption and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple IoT devices are merged into a single conversational interface within the messenger program. Users can send control commands to multiple devices simultaneously through one unified chat window, combining what would otherwise require multiple separate control actions into a single efficient operation, thereby improving productivity and reducing time loss
3Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated IoT control program is installed, then comprehensive device control functionality is provided, but the device installation complexity and user burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The messenger program is enhanced to include IoT device control capabilities alongside its traditional messaging functions. This eliminates the need for users to install separate dedicated IoT control programs, as the existing messenger application becomes a universal platform for both communication and device control, thereby maintaining comprehensive functionality while dramatically simplifying installation
Solution Approach 2:
The messenger program acts as an intermediary between users and IoT devices, providing a familiar and already-installed application as the control interface. This intermediary approach allows comprehensive device control functionality to be accessed through an existing trusted application, avoiding the need for users to install and configure new dedicated control programs
Data Source
AI summary
An example terminal apparatus includes a communicator configured to communicate with at least one device through a hub device; a display configured to display an image; a user input receiver configured to receive a user's input; and at least one processor configured to control the display to display a dialog box where the hub device or the at least one device is set as a counterpart in response to execution of a messenger program, control the communicator to transmit a control signal including a command for controlling a predetermined device to the device targeted for control through the hub device so that the device targeted for control operates in response to the command corresponding to a user's input, and control the display to display a message corresponding to the transmitted command in the dialog box.