Mobile Device Code Scanning for Appliance Event Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home automation systems face complexity in configuring device event notifications due to the variety of devices, events, notification types, and destinations, making it difficult for users to manage and control appliance operations remotely.
Innovation Solution
A method involving scanning a machine-readable code by a mobile device to register for device event notifications, allowing users to select specific appliance events or control functions, and sending requests to the corresponding devices for notifications and control operations, using a user interface that displays available options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional home automation systems are used to configure device event notifications, then comprehensive notification coverage can be achieved, but system complexity and difficulty of configuration increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera-based machine-readable code scanning system as an intermediary between the user and the home automation system. By scanning codes on devices, the system automatically retrieves device information and notification options, eliminating the need for manual configuration through complex menus and parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service configuration by allowing users to simply scan device codes and select desired notifications from presented options. The system automatically handles device identification, notification setup, and parameter configuration without requiring user expertise in system architecture or technical parameters.
2Loss of time
If manual configuration methods are used for device notifications, then system complexity can be reduced, but user time and effort required for setup increase
Solution Approach 1:
Device information, notification types, and configuration parameters are prepared in advance as machine-readable codes on each device. When a user scans the code, the system has already structured all necessary information, eliminating the need for users to search through system settings or understand technical parameters during setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual navigation through complex system menus and parameters with an automated optical scanning system. The camera-based code reading mechanism automatically extracts device information and presents configuration options, substituting manual mechanical interaction with automated optical-digital processing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive device control options are provided, then system versatility increases, but user interface complexity and difficulty of selection increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system presents control options tailored to each specific device type and its capabilities. Rather than showing all possible control functions for all devices, the interface displays only relevant options for the scanned device, such as showing dryer-specific controls when a dryer is scanned, thereby maintaining versatility while simplifying selection.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for registering for an appliance event notification comprises scanning a machine-readable code by a device and sending a request to register for an event notification to an appliance. A user interface corresponding to the appliance is displayed and the user interface includes an identification of at least one appliance specific event. A selection of an appliance specific event is received and a request to register for an event notification corresponding to the selected appliance specific event is sent to the appliance. An event notification is received upon occurrence of the event at the appliance. Additionally, the user interface includes an identification of at least one appliance specific control function. A request to register for control of the appliance corresponding to a selected appliance specific control function is sent to the appliance. Accordingly, instructions for control of the appliance are sent from the mobile device.