System for changing a control interface of a controlled device based on functions of the device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional universal controllers have fixed and unchangeable control units, making it difficult for users to recognize the functions of controlled devices, leading to inconvenience in operation, especially as various types of devices proliferate and require distinct control interfaces.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses a visual message, including intensity, color, blinking, or lighting area, to display the current working state of a controlled device, with a recognition and control unit adapting the display and operation modes based on the device's functions, allowing the interface to change and provide user-specific operation modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a universal controller with fixed control units is used, then it can control multiple types of devices, but users cannot recognize the functions of controlled devices, leading to inconvenience in operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to control multiple device typesVSAvoiduser recognition of device functions
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control interface dynamically changes its display and operation modes based on the detected device type and working mode. The visual unit adapts its display content and the operation unit adapts its operational characteristics in real-time, transforming a static universal controller into a dynamic adaptive interface that provides user-friendly guidance for each specific device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes multiple parameters of the control interface simultaneously including display content, visual intensity, color, blinking patterns, and operation unit responsiveness. These parameter changes are triggered by device detection and working mode recognition, enabling the interface to optimize its characteristics for each specific device type and operational state

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If separate dedicated controllers are used for each device type, then users can easily recognize and operate each device, but it becomes a headache to rummage through multiple controllers as devices proliferate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice function recognitionVSAvoidnumber of controllers
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control interface is designed as a multi-functional universal controller that can detect and adapt to multiple types of controlled devices including lighting devices, electric blinds, and other IoT devices. A single controller performs the functions of multiple dedicated controllers by dynamically reconfiguring its interface based on the detected device type

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

Solution Approach 2:

The control interface automatically detects the type of controlled device and configures its own display and operation modes without requiring user intervention. The system self-adapts by recognizing device characteristics and working modes, eliminating the need for users to manually select or configure controller settings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3624562B1System for changing a control interface of a controlled device based on functions of the device
Publication Date: 2022.06.29 WANG CHI HSIANG
  • EP3624562B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3624562B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention provides a system for changing a control interface of a controlled device based on functions of the device, in which a visual message is used as a medium to display a current working state of a controlled device on an interface to be operated by a user for recognition by the user, where the visual message includes different messages recognizable by the intensity, color, blinking of light or a lighting area provided by a visual unit.