Position-Sensitive Device Interface for Context-Aware Equipment Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic equipment interfaces, such as button-based systems, are limiting and often not replaced with more elaborate interfaces to minimize cost and complexity, making interaction challenging.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device, such as a portable device with a touch-sensitive display, is placed adjacent to electronic equipment, allowing control circuitry to automatically display user control interfaces based on the device's position and operational state, enabling dynamic updates and user input through on-screen options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If button-based interfaces are used in electronic equipment, then cost and complexity are minimized, but user interaction capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a portable electronic device (smartphone, tablet, or wearable device) as an intermediary between the user and the electronic equipment. This intermediary device provides a sophisticated touch-sensitive display interface while the electronic equipment itself maintains its simple button-based interface. The portable device acts as a mediator that translates user interactions into control signals for the electronic equipment, thereby enhancing user interaction capability without increasing the complexity of the electronic equipment itself.
2Ease of operation
If more elaborate interfaces are added to electronic equipment, then user interaction capability is improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sophisticated interface functionality from the electronic equipment and relocates it to a separate portable electronic device. The electronic equipment retains only its essential simple interface (buttons), while the elaborate touch-sensitive display interface is taken out and implemented in the portable device. This separation allows the electronic equipment to maintain simplicity while still providing advanced interaction capabilities through the portable device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If simple button-based interfaces are used, then device complexity is minimized, but interaction flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the universality of portable electronic devices, which are already widely owned by users and possess multi-functional capabilities. These devices can serve multiple purposes: their own standalone functions plus acting as a sophisticated interface for the electronic equipment. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to provide flexible interaction capabilities without requiring the electronic equipment itself to be more complex or expensive to manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems are provided that include electronic equipment and electronic devices. A system may include electronic equipment such as a thermostat or other equipment in a vehicle or home, vehicle navigation equipment, networking equipment, computer equipment, equipment with speakers for playing audio, and other electronic equipment. An electronic device such as a portable electronic device may be placed in the vicinity of electronic equipment by a user. In response to detecting that the electronic device is adjacent to the electronic equipment, control circuitry in the electronic device can automatically display content of the electric device such as a user control interface for the electronic device or information related to operation of the electronic equipment. The system may monitor the position of the electronic device relative to the electronic equipment and can dynamically update the displayed content based on the current device position.