Smart Device Control Interface Without App Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current smart home applications require users to download and install software to control smart devices, making the process complex and cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that allows users to control smart devices through a terminal by displaying a system control interface, detecting user instructions, and sequentially acquiring and displaying control interfaces for smart device management and specific device control, enabling direct management and control without the need for additional software installations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users download and install smart home application software to control smart devices, then control functionality is achieved, but operation complexity increases and user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of controlVSAvoidsoftware installation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the smart device control functionality from the dedicated smart home application and integrates it directly into the terminal's system-level interface. This allows users to access and control smart devices without needing to download, install, or navigate through separate application software, thereby eliminating the complexity while preserving the control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal device is enhanced with multi-functionality by integrating smart device control capabilities directly into its operating system. The terminal can simultaneously function as a general-purpose computing device and as a smart home control interface, eliminating the need for specialized application software and simplifying the user experience.

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

2Productivity

If dedicated smart home application software is used, then comprehensive control features are available, but time consumption for setup and operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol efficiencyVSAvoidtime for software installation and operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control interface and functionality are pre-integrated into the terminal's system during manufacturing and initial setup. Users do not need to perform time-consuming installation procedures or configuration steps; the smart device control capability is immediately available upon using the terminal, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining comprehensive control features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate applications are used for different smart device functions, then specialized control capabilities are achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple smart device control functionalities into a single unified system interface. Instead of requiring separate applications for different device types or functions, the terminal provides an integrated control interface that can manage various smart devices through a consistent, unified interaction model, thereby maintaining versatility while reducing interface complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3188414B1Method and apparatus for controlling smart device
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 XIAOMI INC
  • EP3188414B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP3188414B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2C
  • EP3188414B1 patent drawingFigure 2D~2E

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for controlling a smart device, which belongs to the field of Human-Computer Interaction. The method includes: displaying (S101) an interface for system control; acquiring (S102) an interface for controlling a target smart device upon detection of an instruction for controlling the target smart device inputted from a user based on the interface for system control, the instruction for controlling the target smart device carrying an identifier of the target smart device, and the instruction for controlling the target smart device being configured to trigger the acquiring of the interface for controlling the target smart device; and displaying (S103) the interface for controlling the target smart device.