Server-Based Malfunction Information Sharing for Home Appliances

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing home appliance systems cannot share information about malfunctions or problems that occur in devices of the same model among users, limiting user awareness and preventive maintenance opportunities.

Innovation Solution

An information providing apparatus and method that collects, generates, and transmits presentation information about malfunctions or problems from a server to users of identical device models, enabling sharing of such information across users.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If home appliances only notify users of their own malfunction information, then individual device monitoring is simple and reliable, but information sharing among users of the same model is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemalfunction information sharingVSAvoidinformation processing system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that collects malfunction information from multiple home appliances of the same model and distributes relevant information to users. The server acts as a central hub that enables information sharing without requiring direct communication between appliances, thus resolving the contradiction by adding a mediating element rather than increasing complexity within individual devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The server performs multiple functions: collecting malfunction information from various users, storing it in a database, analyzing patterns, and distributing notifications. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems in each appliance, reducing overall system complexity while enabling comprehensive information sharing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If home appliances collect and store malfunction information locally, then information availability is immediate and reliable, but information sharing among users is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation availabilityVSAvoidinformation sharing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback loop where malfunction information from one user is collected by the server, analyzed, and then fed back as notifications to other users of the same model. This feedback mechanism ensures that reliable information from the field is continuously circulated to benefit the entire user base, simultaneously improving reliability through real data and adaptability through shared learning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the information storage and processing functions of individual appliances into a centralized server database. By combining data from multiple sources while maintaining reliable local collection capabilities, the system achieves both immediate information availability and broad sharing capability across the user community

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of information

If the system notifies all users of all malfunction information, then complete information sharing is achieved, but information relevance to individual users decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation completenessVSAvoidinformation relevance

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The server analyzes malfunction information and distributes notifications selectively based on relevance to each user's specific appliance model, usage patterns, and historical data. Instead of uniform distribution to all users, the system tailors information delivery to match local conditions and needs of each user, ensuring complete information is available but only relevant information is prominently presented

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the user base by appliance model, usage characteristics, and risk profiles, then distributes malfunction information in targeted segments rather than as a monolithic broadcast. This segmentation maintains complete information availability across the entire system while ensuring each user receives prioritized, relevant notifications first

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10608838B2Information provision apparatus, server apparatus, information provision method, and information provision program

Publication Date: 2020.03.31 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP OF AMERICA

AI summary

An information provision apparatus whereby information regarding a malfunction or problem that occurred during the use of a prescribed model of home appliance can be shared with users using the same model of home appliance. A device (20) has the following: a presentation-information reception unit (21) that receives presentation information generated by a server (10) and stores the presentation information in a prescribed storage unit; and a presentation unit (22) that presents the presentation information to the user of the device (20), the presentation information having been read out from the aforementioned storage unit. The presentation information indicates malfunctions or problems that occurred in devices that are the same model as the abovementioned device (20) and were being used by other users.