Smart Appliance Wireless Control With Secure Connection States

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current data communication methods for domestic appliances, such as cooking ovens and hobs, lack flexibility and effectiveness in remote control and monitoring, especially when using mobile computer devices.

Innovation Solution

A method enabling wireless data connection between domestic cooking appliances and mobile computer devices, allowing for flexible control and monitoring through different connection states, including remote control, parameter monitoring, and real-time visual feedback, with optional bidirectional communication and integration with internet services.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wireless data connection is enabled for remote control and monitoring, then flexibility and effectiveness of data communication is improved, but security risks and potential unauthorized access increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of data communicationVSAvoidsecurity risks
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic connection states that can switch between first connection state (with remote control and monitoring enabled) and second connection state (with remote control disabled). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt security levels based on operational context, enabling flexible communication when needed while maintaining security by disabling remote access when the appliance is in immediate use or when security concerns arise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of connection state between different modes. In the first connection state, remote control and monitoring parameters are enabled for flexible operation. In the second connection state, these parameters are disabled to prevent unauthorized access. This parameter switching resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to exhibit different security and flexibility characteristics as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If remote control and monitoring are enabled via wireless connection, then user interaction and safety are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interactionVSAvoidconnection management
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connection functionality into distinct connection states (first connection state with full remote control and monitoring, second connection state with remote control disabled). This segmentation simplifies the user interface by presenting clear, discrete modes rather than requiring users to manage multiple individual settings, thereby improving ease of operation while managing device complexity through structured state management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless communication system performs multiple functions including remote control, parameter monitoring, and visual feedback transmission within a unified connection framework. By integrating these functions into a single connection state management system rather than separate control mechanisms, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive user interaction capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple appliances are connected to a single mobile computer device, then versatility of control is improved, but connection management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility of controlVSAvoidconnection management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements appliance-specific connection states (first appliance connection mode, second appliance connection mode) that are copied or replicated for each connected appliance. Each appliance maintains its own set of connection states and modes, allowing the mobile computer device to manage multiple appliances independently through standardized state management patterns. This copying approach enables versatile control across multiple devices while keeping connection management systematic and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP4063976A1Method for data communication with a smart domestic appliance by a mobile computer device
Publication Date: 2022.09.28 ELECTROLUX APPLIANCES
  • EP4063976A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4063976A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4063976A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for controlling a smart appliance via a mobile device is disclosed herein. The mobile device is in communication with the smart appliance. The method includes the steps of sensing a current value of an operational feature of the smart appliance, communicating the current value to the mobile device, determining whether the current value matches another value that is related to the one operational feature, generating instructions to the smart appliance to adjust its current value to match the another value if the current and another values do not match, and communicating these instructions to the smart appliance. The method can be executed by software.