Sensor-Based Borrowed Display Control for Multi-Appliance Households
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for electrical household appliances require users to navigate multiple steps to access and control a borrowed display, making it inconvenient and non-intuitive, especially when multiple users are present in the same room.
Innovation Solution
A control system that uses sensor fusion to provide a user interface or information from one appliance on another appliance's display, detecting user movement and presence to initiate a context-based and intuitive operating flow, allowing seamless access and control without the need for multiple displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the borrowed control panel is accessed via menu selection on the second appliance, then the first appliance can be controlled, but the operation becomes time-consuming and non-intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of user intention through the first sensor unit on the first appliance before the user actually needs to access the control panel. By detecting movement or approach in advance, the system prepares the borrowed display activation, eliminating the need for time-consuming menu navigation when the user arrives at the second appliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual menu-navigation mechanism with an automatic sensor-based detection system. Instead of requiring users to physically navigate through menus on the second appliance, the system uses sensor units to automatically detect user intention and activate the appropriate display, substituting mechanical interaction with automated sensing and response.
2Ease of operation
If the borrowed display is always available on the second appliance, then access is convenient, but unintended access by other users may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through the second sensor unit that continuously monitors the presence and approach of users to the second appliance. This feedback mechanism allows the system to dynamically control display activation based on real-time user proximity detection, ensuring that only the intended user who approached the first appliance within the predetermined time frame can access the borrowed display.
Solution Approach 2:
The borrowed display availability is made dynamic rather than static. The system adjusts display activation status in real-time based on sensor detection results, user approach timing, and predetermined time frame conditions. This dynamic behavior prevents unintended access while maintaining convenience for legitimate users.
3Reliability
If multiple sensor detections are required, then unintended access is prevented, but the activation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor detection system is segmented into two distinct functional units: the first sensor unit on the first appliance for detecting user intention, and the second sensor unit on the second appliance for detecting user presence. This segmentation allows each sensor unit to have a specialized, simplified function while collectively achieving reliable user verification through their coordinated operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies the activation process, reduces steps, enhances user experience, and prevents unintended access by detecting user proximity, ensuring only the intended user can access the borrowed display, thus providing a smart assistance function.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor unit configured to detect movement of a component of the first electrical household appliance and/or movement of a body part of a user of the first electrical household appliance
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor unit comprising a presence and/or proximity sensor configured to detect the presence and/or approach of the user to the second electrical household appliance
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a control system for operating a first electrical household appliance (1) and a further, second electrical household appliance (3), comprising: - a first sensor unit (2) configured to detect movement of a component of the first electrical household appliance (1) and/or movement of a body part of a user of the first electrical household appliance (1); - a second sensor unit (4) comprising a presence and/or proximity sensor configured to detect the presence and/or approach of the user (5) to the second electrical household appliance (3), wherein the control system is configured and configuredUpon initial detection of movement of a component of the first electrical household appliance (1) and/or upon initial detection of movement of a part of the user's body by means of the first sensor unit (2) and upon subsequent initial detection of the presence and/or approach of the user (5) to the second electrical household appliance (3) by means of the second sensor unit (4) within a predetermined time period after the initial detection, information and/or a user interface of the first electrical household appliance (1) is to be provided in a control display of the second electrical household appliance (3).