Portable Multi-Appliance Controller with Direct Page-Linking Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
The operation of multiple household appliances using a graphical user interface on a mobile terminal is cumbersome and prone to errors, requiring numerous inputs to switch between appliance pages, leading to inefficiency and potential incorrect settings.
Innovation Solution
A portable operating device with a touch-sensitive display and communication capabilities, featuring a graphical user interface that allows direct linking between household appliance pages through device linking objects, reducing the need for complex navigation and minimizing operating errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a graphical user interface is used to control multiple household appliances, then the user can operate various appliances remotely, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming due to the need for multiple inputs to switch between appliance pages
Solution Approach 1:
The graphical user interface is segmented into separate operating pages for each household appliance, allowing the user to access and control different appliances through distinct, organized interfaces rather than a single complex screen
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new navigation dimension by placing a representation of another appliance directly on the current operating page. This allows switching between appliances through a single input on the current page rather than requiring navigation through multiple menu levels, effectively adding a direct-access dimension to the interface
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operating inputs are required to switch between appliance pages, then comprehensive control is possible, but the operation time increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The representation of the other household appliance is pre-displayed on the current operating page, allowing the user to access another appliance's controls immediately through a single input without requiring preliminary navigation steps or menu searches
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex graphical user interface is used to provide comprehensive appliance control, then more functions are accessible, but operating errors increase and incorrect settings may be made
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is divided into separate operating pages, each dedicated to a specific appliance, which reduces cognitive load and minimizes the risk of selecting incorrect controls or settings for the wrong appliance
Solution Approach 2:
The representation of the other appliance acts as an intermediary element on the current page, providing a clear, unambiguous pathway to switch appliances and reducing the likelihood of navigation errors or incorrect selections
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a portable control apparatus (2) for remote control of a plurality of domestic appliances (3), having a touch-sensitive display device (4), having a control unit (6) for actuating the display device (4) and for receiving control inputs from a user (16), and having a communication device (7) for communicating with the domestic appliances (3), wherein the control unit (6) actuates the display device (4) to display a graphical user interface (8) for operator control of the domestic appliances (3) and, on the basis of the control inputs, transmits control signals (10) to the domestic appliances (3) and receives status signals (9) from the domestic appliances (3) and outputs them via the user interface (8), wherein the graphical user interface (8) has a plurality of domestic appliance control pages (42) for the operator control of a respective associated domestic appliance (3), and wherein the control unit (6) is designed to provide a graphical appliance link object (39) on the domestic appliance control page (42) of at least one domestic appliance (3) and/or on a page (38) of a topic category that is different from the domestic appliance control pages (42) and, following reception of a control input that the user (16) uses to select the appliance link object (39), to change from the currently displayed page (38) to a domestic appliance control page (42) of the associated domestic appliance (3) as defined by the selected appliance link object (39).