Smart Home Linkage Control System for Automated Device Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

The cumbersome process of controlling multiple independent smart home devices requires manual intervention, leading to inefficiencies in device management and user convenience.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for controlling devices by detecting events on a smartphone and automatically executing corresponding tasks in a linkage scenario, where starting conditions and tasks are set, allowing for automated control of connected devices without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual independent controlling is used for each smart home device, then device control reliability is maintained, but the controlling process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrolling processVSAvoidtime for device control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring linkage scenarios that define relationships between starting conditions and tasks. When a starting condition is met, the corresponding tasks are automatically executed without requiring manual intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a control method as an intermediary that automatically mediates between device events and control actions. This intermediary system detects starting conditions, determines corresponding tasks, and executes control operations automatically, eliminating the need for manual control while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If automated linkage control is implemented, then operational efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to scenario configuration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice control efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a detection module for identifying starting conditions, a determination module for selecting corresponding tasks, and an execution module for carrying out control operations. This segmentation manages complexity by organizing the automated control process into manageable, independent components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The linkage scenario configuration enables universal application across multiple devices and control situations. A single scenario can coordinate multiple devices, and the same control method can be applied to various smart home contexts, improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.

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

3Ease of operation

If independent device control is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates due to repetitive manual operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by enabling devices to automatically respond to events without requiring user intervention. When a starting condition occurs, the linked tasks are automatically executed, allowing the system to serve itself and improving user convenience while maintaining appropriate automation levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Users configure linkage scenarios in advance, establishing the relationship between starting conditions and tasks. This preliminary action enables the system to automatically execute appropriate responses when conditions are met, significantly improving user convenience without requiring complex real-time decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3145125B1Method and apparatus for controlling devices
Publication Date: 2020.11.04 XIAOMI INC
  • EP3145125B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3145125B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP3145125B1 patent drawingFigure 3C~3D

AI summary

Method and apparatus for controlling devices are provided in the invention, which belongs to the technical field of smart home. The method for controlling devices may comprise: when an event occurs in a smart phone, detecting (201) whether the event is a starting condition in a linkage scenario; if the event is one of the starting conditions in the linkage scenario, determining (202) an executing device corresponding to the starting condition in the linkage scenario; controlling (203) the executing device to execute a task in the linkage scenario. The apparatus for controlling devices may comprise detecting module, determine module, and controlling module.