Operation Switch Prompting for Accurate User Action Logging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods to prompt user operation of devices, such as alarms or operation timers, are ineffective in ensuring voluntary user interaction, leading to incomplete operational logs.

Innovation Solution

An operation switch with a switch button and a controller that provides notifications at preset times to prompt user interaction, followed by device operation upon button press.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an operation timer function is used to automatically start device operation at preset times, then device operation can be scheduled, but it cannot determine whether the user voluntarily operates the device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational log accuracyVSAvoiduser voluntary operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides feedback to the user through notifications at preset times, prompting them to press the switch button. This feedback loop ensures that the system can detect and record actual user operations while maintaining the ability to schedule operations, thereby resolving the contradiction between automated scheduling and voluntary user operation detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by setting preset times and sending notifications before the actual device operation. This allows the user to be prompted in advance to voluntarily operate the device, enabling the system to distinguish between automated operations and user-initiated operations for accurate logging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If an alarm function is used to prompt users to operate devices, then users can be reminded at set times, but users may turn off the alarm and forget to operate the device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser operation promptingVSAvoiddevice operation completion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The notification system provides continuous feedback to the user at preset times, prompting them to press the switch button. Unlike a simple alarm that can be dismissed, this system maintains the prompting function until the user actually operates the device, ensuring reliable operation completion while maintaining ease of use through clear, persistent reminders.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If remote controllers are used to operate devices wirelessly, then device operation can be performed from a distance, but it cannot ensure the user actually operates the device at the intended time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote device operationVSAvoidoperational timing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by setting preset times and sending notifications before the intended device operation. This ensures that even when users operate devices remotely, the system can track and record the actual operation timing accurately by prompting users in advance and detecting when the switch button is pressed, resolving the contradiction between remote operation convenience and timing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12500790B2Operation switch and device linkage system

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

An operation switch for operating a device includes: a switch button to be pressed by a user; and a controller that causes a notifier to give a notification that prompts pressing of the switch button at a preset time, and operates the device in response to pressing of the switch button after the notifier gives the notification.