Remote Control Interface for Commercial Appliance Access Security

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Users of commercial electric appliances face inconvenience as they need to physically monitor and control these appliances, leading to inefficiencies and security issues, especially in commercial settings where multiple users access the same appliance.

Innovation Solution

A network system that connects commercial electric appliances to a control device via communication units, allowing remote monitoring and control through a display unit, with user identification and cost management features, enabling secure and convenient access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users directly manipulate electric appliances to control operations, then ease of operation is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates due to the need to physically approach and monitor the appliance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiduser time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A control device serves as an intermediary between the user and the electric appliance. The control device communicates with the appliance via communication units, allowing users to remotely control operations and monitor status without physically approaching the appliance. This mediator enables indirect control while maintaining system functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control interface is moved from the physical dimension (direct contact with appliance) to a remote dimension via communication networks. Users can control the appliance from any location with network connectivity, adding the dimension of spatial freedom to the control operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple users access the same commercial electric appliance, then accessibility is improved, but security deteriorates due to unauthorized access and monitoring issues

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control device receives real-time operation information from the electric appliance through communication units and provides feedback to users. This feedback mechanism allows authorized users to monitor appliance status remotely, ensuring that only authenticated users can access and control the appliance, thereby maintaining security while enabling multi-user accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control device creates a virtual interface that replicates the appliance's control functions remotely. Instead of direct physical access, users interact with a digital representation of the appliance through the control device, which enforces access control and authentication protocols to ensure security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If users monitor electric appliances in the vicinity until stopped, then operational control is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to time wastage and inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational controlVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The electric appliance autonomously communicates its operation status and completion information to the control device through communication units. Users receive notifications when operations are complete, eliminating the need for continuous monitoring. The system serves itself by automatically reporting status, freeing users to engage in other productive activities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control device acts as an intermediary that automatically receives and processes operation information from the appliance, notifying users only when relevant (e.g., operation completion). This eliminates the need for users to continuously monitor the appliance, significantly improving productivity while maintaining operational awareness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2701339B1Network system and method for controlling same
Publication Date: 2018.11.07 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2701339B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2701339B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2701339B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a network system and a control method thereof. The network system includes: a commercial electric appliance comprising a cost system for an operation thereof; and a control device communicably connected to the commercial electric appliance, wherein the control deice comprises a display unit configured to remotely monitor operation information of the commercial electric appliance.