Mobile Device Wireless Control for Smart Appliance Remote Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data communication methods for domestic appliances, such as cooking ovens and hobs, lack flexibility and effectiveness, particularly in remote control and monitoring capabilities via mobile computer devices.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a wireless data connection between domestic cooking appliances and mobile computer devices, enabling flexible control and monitoring through different connection states, including remote control, parameter monitoring, and real-time data transfer for oven functions, with optional bidirectional communication and integration with social networks and databases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If data communication with domestic appliances is implemented using fixed location control, then system complexity is reduced, but usability and flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to work with multiple types of domestic appliances (oven, hob, washing machine, dryer) through a universal mobile computer device interface. The system provides consistent control functionality across different appliance types, allowing users to operate various appliances from different locations using the same mobile device application.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication network serves as an intermediary between the mobile computer device and the domestic appliance. This mediator enables data transmission between the user's mobile device and the appliance controller, allowing remote operation without direct physical connection while maintaining system manageability.
2Ease of operation
If remote control capability is added to domestic appliances, then usability is improved, but data communication requirements increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile computer device serves multiple functions including displaying appliance status, controlling appliance operations, and providing user interface for parameter adjustment. This multi-functional approach consolidates control capabilities into a single device that users already possess, reducing the need for additional dedicated control hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the user's existing mobile computer device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop) for control operations. By leveraging equipment users already have, the system avoids requiring additional specialized control devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining remote control functionality.
3Loss of information
If real-time monitoring of cooking processes is implemented, then user control and information availability are improved, but data transmission requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic data transmission where the appliance controller sends status information to the mobile device at regular intervals or when state changes occur. This periodic update mechanism provides real-time monitoring capability while minimizing continuous data transmission, thereby reducing energy consumption compared to constant streaming.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mobile device for communicating with a smart appliance is disclosed. The mobile device includes a sensing element for detecting a current value of an operational feature of the smart appliance. A memory including a database of other values associated with operational features is included or accessible online. The mobile device includes a processor for accessing the database, comparing the relevant current and other values and, when they do not match, generate instructions to the smart appliance to adjust its settings so as to bring the current and other values into alignment. The mobile device is configured to communicate with the smart appliance in a first state wherein data flows from the smart appliance to the mobile device only; and in a second state wherein the data flows in both directions.