Secondary IoT Device as Remote Control Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in controlling remote IoT devices due to limitations in hardware inputs, lack of precise control over multi-state functionalities, inefficiency with voice commands, and challenges in accessing remote devices within the same IoT environment.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that identify a primary IoT device and a secondary IoT device, determine user intent, and reconfigure the secondary device's functionality to act as a user interface for controlling the primary device from a different location, allowing hardware inputs of nearby devices to control remote devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hardware inputs of nearby IoT devices are used to control remote devices, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to remapping and rerouting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mediator system (virtual assistant or control system) that handles the complexity of remapping hardware inputs to remote device functionalities. The mediator translates local hardware button presses into appropriate commands for remote devices, shielding users from the underlying complexity while enabling cross-device control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables hardware inputs of any nearby IoT device to serve multiple functions - not only controlling their native device but also acting as remote controls for other devices in the ecosystem. This multi-functionality allows a single hardware interface to provide universal control across the IoT environment, improving ease of operation without requiring dedicated controls for each device.
2Ease of operation
If voice commands are used to control remote IoT devices, then accessibility is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to slower control speed and inefficiency for continuous control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adapts the control method based on the situation - allowing voice commands for initial device activation or when hands-free operation is needed, while switching to hardware button control for continuous or precise adjustments. This dynamic approach combines the accessibility of voice with the productivity of physical buttons.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables users to skip the time-consuming process of navigating through UI menus or repeatedly issuing voice commands by allowing hardware buttons to directly trigger pre-configured actions on remote devices, rushing through the control process efficiently.
3Ease of operation
If augmented reality devices are used to control remote IoT devices, then accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to extra accessories and non-intuitive operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core functionality of AR device control - visualizing and controlling remote devices - and implements it through the device's existing display and camera without requiring external AR accessories. This eliminates the need for additional hardware while maintaining the accessibility benefits of visual control interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the remote device's interface on the user's display, allowing them to interact with familiar controls and layouts. This copying approach maintains intuitiveness by replicating the remote device's native interface rather than introducing a new AR-based interaction paradigm.
4Loss of information
If displays or user interfaces are used to control remote IoT devices, then information visibility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of display availability and difficulty in continuous control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control functionality into two parts: information display remains on the remote device's display (maintaining visibility), while control inputs are routed to nearby hardware buttons (improving ease of operation). This segmentation allows each component to excel at its strength - the display provides information and the physical buttons provide accessible control.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a remote device in an Internet of Things (IoT) environment is provided. The method includes: identifying a primary IoT device in a first location; identifying at least one secondary IoT device in a second location; determining that a user is currently in the second location; determining an intent of the user to control the primary IoT device from the second location; and reconfiguring at least one default functionality of a secondary IoT device, among the at least one secondary IoT device, such that the secondary IoT device is operable by the user as a user interface to control the primary IoT device from the secondary location.