Smartphone Map Interface for Touch-Free Public Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for multiuser public interfaces, such as elevators and smart toilets, pose challenges due to bacterial transmission, require users to learn multiple operation systems, can lead to static electric discharges in flammable environments, and lack efficient navigation and operation methods.
Innovation Solution
A smartphone-based system that maps the location of multiuser devices, allowing users to connect and operate them wirelessly through a touch screen interface, avoiding physical contact and providing a standardized operation method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical control panel buttons are used for multiuser devices, then device operation is enabled, but bacterial transmission between users occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical control panel on the smartphone display. The control panel interface is replicated digitally, allowing users to interact with elevator buttons, toilet controls, and other public device interfaces through the phone's touchscreen rather than physical contact with shared surfaces. This copying approach maintains full operational functionality while eliminating bacterial transmission risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The smartphone acts as an intermediary device between the user and the public device control system. The phone communicates with the control panel via wireless connections (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi), transmitting control signals without the user's finger needing to physically touch the shared buttons. This intermediary approach preserves ease of operation while blocking harmful bacterial contact.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different device control systems are provided, then various public devices can be operated, but user learning complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control application that can interface with multiple types of public devices (elevators, smart toilets, ATMs, vending machines) through a single smartphone application. The system uses standardized communication protocols and a consistent user interface design pattern across different device types, allowing users to operate diverse devices without learning multiple separate control systems. The app automatically adapts to the specific device being controlled while maintaining familiar interaction patterns.
3Ease of operation
If physical buttons are used in flammable environments, then device control is possible, but static electric discharge hazards occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing system with an electronic touchscreen interface on the smartphone. Instead of physically pressing buttons that can generate static electricity through friction and contact, users interact with capacitive touchscreen elements on their phone. The control signals are transmitted wirelessly to the device, eliminating the mechanical interaction that causes static discharge in flammable environments while maintaining full device control capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A phone has a touch screen display. The display shows an internet map. The map allows for a user to search for multiuser public devices, such as, elevators. The user finds the device, by viewing the device's location, and the phone's location on the map. For example, the phone searches for and finds devices, such as, smart toilets, which are shown on the map. The user touches one of the desired displayed toilets, to receive the toilet's control panel interface. The received control panel, is displayed on the phone. The user operates the toilet, by touch activating the toilet's control panel's commands. The phone, and toilet communicate over the internet wirelessly, or wirelessly. The user avoids bacteria, on the toilet's touch input buttons, by using the phone to operate the toilet. The user can find and operate, many different public multiuser devices.