Smart Plug Power Linking for Single-Command Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems require separate operations for controlling the power status of an apparatus and a smart plug, which is cumbersome for users.
Innovation Solution
An information processing system that associates the identification information of an external apparatus and a smart plug, allowing simultaneous control of both via a single instruction input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If power supply to the apparatus is controlled via a smart plug, then standby power can be completely eliminated, but the user must individually operate both the apparatus and the smart plug which is troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control of the smart plug and the apparatus into a single integrated control mechanism. The processor stores association information linking the smart plug and apparatus identification information, allowing one instruction to simultaneously control both devices. This merging eliminates the need for separate operations while maintaining the energy-saving benefits of smart plug control.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary between the user instruction and the smart plug/apparatus control. It receives the instruction, retrieves the associated smart plug information, and transmits the appropriate control signal to the smart plug. This intermediary function simplifies the user interface while enabling coordinated control of both devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus is turned on via smart plug, then power can be supplied to the apparatus, but the user needs to operate both the apparatus power button and the smart plug separately
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the power supply control function into a single integrated mechanism. The processor stores mapping information that links the apparatus to its corresponding smart plug, enabling one unified control operation to simultaneously manage both devices. This reduces the control operation complexity from two separate actions to a single action.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor serves multiple functions: it stores association information, receives user instructions, identifies the corresponding smart plug, and transmits control signals. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms while maintaining versatile power supply control capabilities.
3Reliability
If separate control is used for apparatus and smart plug, then each device can be controlled independently, but the operation becomes troublesome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control operations for the apparatus and smart plug into a single simultaneous action. The processor retrieves pre-stored association information and transmits control signals to both devices at the same time, maintaining independent control capabilities while reducing the total operation time from sequential to simultaneous control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing the association information between the apparatus and smart plug in the processor. This pre-configured mapping enables immediate simultaneous control without requiring the user to perform multiple sequential operations, thereby reducing operation time while maintaining control independence.
Data Source
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AI summary
An information processing system includes a processor configured to store identification information of an external apparatus and identification information of a smart plug that is capable of changing a supply status of power to the external apparatus in accordance with an instruction from outside in association with each other, and control the external apparatus and the smart plug corresponding to the external apparatus in accordance with one instruction input to the external apparatus.