Smart Device Role Switching for Controller-Free Multi-Device Control

Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of smart home devices is not achieved effectively since an additional controller is required to control multiple devices, leading to increased costs and lack of true integration.

Innovation Solution

A method where a user terminal selects a first device as a controller, associates a second device with it, and sends control instructions to the first device to control the second device, eliminating the need for an additional controller by allowing any device to act as a controller for other devices within the same local area network or through a server for distant devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an additional controller is used to control multiple smart devices, then device control capability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice control capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the controller function into existing smart devices. Specifically, any smart device can be selected to perform controller functions, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated controller. The controller module is integrated within the smart device itself, allowing it to both execute control instructions and act as a controller for other devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling smart devices to serve dual purposes: they can be controlled like any other smart device while simultaneously functioning as a controller for other devices. The controller module allows a single device to both receive control instructions and send control instructions to other devices, creating a universal device that performs multiple roles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If an additional controller is used to control multiple smart devices, then device control capability is improved, but installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice control capabilityVSAvoiddevice quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the controller function into existing smart devices. Specifically, any smart device can be selected to perform controller functions, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated controller. The controller module is integrated within the smart device itself, allowing it to both execute control instructions and act as a controller for other devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by enabling smart devices to control themselves and other devices without requiring an external controller. The controller module within each smart device allows it to autonomously perform control operations, both receiving instructions from user terminals and sending instructions to other devices, thereby serving its own control needs and those of other devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If an additional controller is used as control center, then control functionality is improved, but device integration is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoiddevice integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling smart devices to serve dual purposes: they can be controlled like any other smart device while simultaneously functioning as a controller for other devices. The controller module allows a single device to both receive control instructions and send control instructions to other devices, creating a universal device that performs multiple roles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the traditional control architecture by eliminating the central controller and enabling peer-to-peer control among smart devices. Instead of a top-down control model where a central controller manages all devices, any device can be selected as controller, allowing distributed and flexible control relationships that adapt to user needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS11061385B2Method, apparatus and system for controlling device

Publication Date: 2021.07.13 GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCES WUHAN

AI summary

A method, an apparatus and a system for controlling a device are provided. The method includes that: a user terminal selects a first device from multiple devices, determines the first device as a controller, select a second device from the plurality of devices, associate the second device with the controller to obtain an association relationship, and sends a control instruction to the first device, so as to make the first device control, according to the association relationship, the second device to complete an operation corresponding to the control instruction.