Smart Home Activity Groups for Simpler Trigger-Based Appliance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling smart home appliances are complex for users due to the numerous functions and parameters involved, making it difficult for users to manage them effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and network system that utilize a cloud server, a terminal device, and smart home appliances to create activity groups, where users can select appliances, choose control instructions, associate them with trigger events, and activate these groups wirelessly, allowing for simplified control of smart home appliances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If smart home appliances provide numerous functions and parameters, then the functionality and versatility of the system is improved, but the complexity of control for users increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control interface by creating activity groups that bundle multiple appliances and their control parameters into predefined sets. Users interact with activity groups rather than individual appliance parameters, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining full functionality. The segmentation separates configuration complexity (handled by the system) from operational simplicity (experienced by the user).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal control through activity groups that can manage multiple different types of smart home appliances simultaneously. A single activity group can include lighting, temperature control, entertainment, and other appliances, providing a unified interface that works across diverse device types and functions without requiring separate controls for each.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the control system includes many functions and parameters, then the system capability is improved, but the user interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring activity groups with multiple appliances and their associated control parameters before user interaction. The system performs the complex task of selecting and organizing appliances, control modes, and parameters in advance, so that users only need to activate predefined activity groups rather than configure each parameter individually. This shifts complexity from the user interface to the background configuration process.
3Manufacturing precision
If individual appliance control is implemented, then the precision of control is improved, but the time required for user operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges control of multiple individual appliances into unified activity groups. Instead of controlling each appliance separately, users activate a single activity group that simultaneously controls multiple appliances with coordinated precision. The merging maintains individual appliance control precision while reducing user operation time by eliminating the need to configure each device independently.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling the functioning of at least one smart home appliance of a network system comprising a cloud server, a terminal device and at least one smart home appliance registered in said cloud server. The method comprises a phase of creating an activity group comprising: selecting one or more registered smart home appliance; selecting control instructions; associating the selected control instructions to the selected smart home appliances; selecting a trigger event for each one of the selected control instructions; activating said activity group; and the cloud server sending the selected control instructions to the selected smart home appliances according to the trigger event.