Smart Home Controller for Scenario-Based Device Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart devices often operate in isolated domains and fail to share information effectively, leading to limited intelligence for users, requiring manual adjustments for multiple users, complex access rights management, inconvenience for certain individuals, and limited control from distant locations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a controller determines user scenarios and preferences to automatically adjust device settings, providing mode lists and suggested activities, and managing access rights, while integrating data from devices and users to optimize device operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If smart devices operate in isolated domains with separated information, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but device intelligence and ability to exchange information are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple isolated smart devices into an integrated ecosystem where a central controller coordinates information exchange between devices. The controller aggregates data from various devices (TV, audio equipment, microwave oven, curtains) and enables them to work together, transforming separated domains into a unified intelligent system that maintains operational simplicity while enhancing overall device intelligence.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves as a universal intermediary that can communicate with and coordinate multiple different types of devices. It performs multiple functions including data aggregation, scenario recognition, user identification, and coordinated control, enabling the system to adapt to various usage scenarios while maintaining a simple user interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of device settings is required for each user, then device adaptability to individual preferences is improved, but user convenience and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automatic user identification and scenario recognition. When a user approaches or interacts with the system, the controller automatically identifies the user (via facial recognition, device association, or other means) and autonomously adjusts device settings according to the recognized scenario and user preferences, eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback loops where user interactions, preferences, and behaviors are continuously monitored and analyzed. The controller learns from user feedback to automatically adjust settings and improve scenario recognition accuracy over time, enabling the system to adapt to individual users without requiring manual reconfiguration.
3Reliability
If individual access rights are configured for each user, then system security and appropriateness are improved, but setup time and management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring access rights and restrictions based on user profiles and scenarios. During initial setup, the controller establishes default access policies for different user types (family members, guests, babysitters) and automatically applies appropriate restrictions (content filtering, spending limits, access permissions) without requiring manual configuration for each user or scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service for access rights management by automatically recognizing users and applying pre-defined access policies. The controller autonomously determines appropriate access rights based on user identity and current scenario, eliminating the need for manual access right configuration while maintaining security and appropriateness.
4Adaptability or versatility
If voice or gesture control is used for smart device operation, then device accessibility is improved, but usability for deaf and/or dumb persons deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements universal control by supporting multiple input modalities including voice commands, gestures, text input, and automatic scenario-based control. The controller can process different types of user inputs and switch between control methods based on the user's needs and the current scenario, ensuring that deaf and/or dumb persons can operate devices through text or automatic control while maintaining accessibility for other users.
5Reliability
If smart device control is limited to nearby locations, then device security and reliability are improved, but user flexibility and convenience from distant locations deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary layer (the controller and communication network) that enables secure remote control. The controller acts as a mediator between the user and the devices, allowing users to control devices from distant locations through a secure communication channel while maintaining authentication and authorization mechanisms that ensure reliability and security.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatuses for controlling a device. A method performed by a controller comprises determining a scenario related to at least one user. The method further comprises sending a message for controlling at least one device to run in a mode dedicated for the determined scenario to the at least one device.