Power Usage Interface for Intuitive Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for improving user operability through graphical user interfaces do not effectively utilize visual representations to manage and control device power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A terminal apparatus that communicates with devices, displays regions indicating power usage by area, and allows users to expand or contract these regions to control the associated devices based on power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional icon-based graphical user interface is used, then device control functionality is provided, but user operability and intuitive understanding of device status are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes to visual regions representing device power consumption status. Different colors indicate different power consumption levels, enabling users to intuitively understand device status without text labels or numerical data, thereby improving operability while preserving information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms one-dimensional icon representations into two-dimensional visual regions with variable areas. The area size of each region corresponds to the power consumption magnitude, adding a spatial dimension that enhances intuitive understanding while maintaining ease of interaction through touch operations.
2Loss of energy
If detailed power consumption information is displayed, then energy efficiency can be improved, but interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments power consumption information into distinct visual regions, each representing a specific device. Each region is further segmented into controllable areas that correspond to different power levels, allowing users to manage energy efficiency through simple visual selection rather than complex settings menus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic visual regions whose areas automatically adjust based on real-time power consumption data. This dynamic behavior provides up-to-date energy information without requiring users to navigate complex interfaces or interpret static detailed data, thus improving energy efficiency while maintaining interface simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal apparatus includes a communication unit configured to communicate with at least one device that a user uses, an input and output unit, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to identify a device to be controlled, of the at least one device, as a subject device, cause the input and output unit to display at least one first region indicating an amount of electric power used by the at least one subject device by area, and receive input of an operation to expand or contract the first region and control the subject device in accordance with the operation.