Programmable Remote Control for Home Automation Step Customization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home automation remote controls lack customization options for users to adjust the incremental variation step of continuous or quasi-continuous state variables, limiting user preference and flexibility in controlling home automation equipment.
Innovation Solution
A remote control with a memory and control circuit that allows users to modify the predetermined pitch of incremental variation through a man-machine interface, enabling customization of the step value for controlling home automation equipment with continuous or quasi-continuous state variables, such as lighting, shutter angles, or temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a predetermined pitch for incremental variation is fixed in the remote control, then the device structure remains simple and reliable, but the user cannot customize the step value according to personal preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming multiple pitch values in the memory before use. When a user wants to customize the incremental step, they can select from pre-stored pitch values or program a new one, rather than requiring complex real-time calculation capabilities. This approach enables customization while keeping the device structure relatively simple, as the system prepares multiple options in advance rather than computing them on-the-fly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing users to modify the pitch value parameter stored in memory. The control circuit can change the incremental step parameter from a fixed value to a user-defined value, enabling customization of the remote control's behavior. This parameter modification capability resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable while maintaining a straightforward hardware architecture that simply stores and retrieves different parameter sets.
2Ease of operation
If the remote control allows user programming of pitch values, then user preference and flexibility are enhanced, but the programming interface and memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling users to program and customize the pitch values themselves through a relatively simple interface. Users can independently adjust the incremental step values according to their preferences without requiring complex configuration procedures or external assistance. This self-programming capability enhances ease of operation while keeping the interface design straightforward, as users directly interact with the pitch value settings rather than navigating complex menus or requiring technical knowledge.
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
A home automation system (10) comprises at least one home automation device (12) whose state variable varies continuously or quasi-continuously within an operating range, remotely controlled by a portable remote control (18) comprising a human-machine interface (38) with an incremental interface (20) for incrementally varying the state variable with a predetermined step size and a memory (32) for storing the value of the predetermined step size. The remote control (18) includes a control circuit (30) for modifying the value of the predetermined step size stored in the memory (32) in response to a command on the human-machine interface.