Power Consumption Display Using Real-Time Pricing Color Avatars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for displaying power consumption, such as bar graphs and pie charts, lack intuitive visualization of real-time pricing and device-specific energy usage, failing to effectively communicate power consumption patterns and potential cost impacts to users.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize Real Time Pricing (RTP) information to change the color or visual representation of electronic devices based on their power consumption amounts, employing avatars or images that reflect RTP levels and power usage, allowing users to intuitively understand and manage their energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If bar graphs or pie graphs are used to display power consumption, then quantitative information is provided, but the visualization lacks intuitiveness and fails to effectively communicate power consumption patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes to visual elements (avatars, icons, bars) to represent different power consumption levels and RTP pricing tiers. Colors dynamically change based on real-time power consumption data and pricing information, making it immediately visually apparent when consumption is high or when expensive pricing applies, thereby improving both information clarity and user understanding without requiring complex graph interpretation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D statistical graphs to a multi-dimensional visualization system that combines temporal dimension (RTP pricing tiers throughout the day), quantitative dimension (power consumption amounts), and visual dimension (color-coded avatars and icons). This adds layers of information representation that make power consumption patterns and cost impacts simultaneously visible and intuitive
2Loss of information
If detailed power consumption data is displayed, then comprehensive information is provided, but the display becomes complex and less intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces avatar characters and icons as intermediary visual elements that mediate between raw power consumption data and user understanding. These avatars serve as visual proxies that embody consumption levels and RTP pricing information, translating complex numerical data into relatable visual metaphors that convey detailed information in an accessible, non-technical format
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes multiple visual parameters (color hues, avatar expressions, icon states, bar heights) based on power consumption amounts and RTP pricing tiers. This parameter-based visualization allows detailed consumption information to be encoded in multiple simultaneous visual attributes, providing comprehensive data representation without requiring complex display structures or overwhelming the user with numerical detail
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of displaying power consumption by receiving information regarding Real Time Pricing (RTP) in which a power rate varies according to time; receiving power consumption amounts; and displaying predetermined visual displaying means based on the RTP information and the received power consumption amounts.