Timeline UI for Intuitive Home Device Operation Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional devices for controlling home devices via networks lack an intuitive control mechanism, making it difficult for users to manage operation times and modes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a timeline user interface (UI) with a virtual track displaying operation start and end times, allowing users to control home devices by moving an indicator along the track to adjust operation times and modes based on user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional control devices are used to control home devices via network, then basic control functionality is provided, but the control interface lacks intuitiveness and user convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a timeline dimension to the control interface, transforming traditional point-in-time control into temporal-axis control. The virtual track represents time progression, allowing users to control device operations by positioning indicators along the temporal dimension, making the control interface more intuitive and visual.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface employs dynamic indicators that can be moved along the virtual track to adjust operation start and end times. This dynamic interaction allows users to intuitively modify operation timing by dragging indicators, enhancing ease of operation while maintaining a relatively simple interface structure.
2Measurement precision
If detailed operation time control is implemented for home devices, then precise control capability is achieved, but the user interface becomes more complex and harder to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual indicators as graphical representations (copies) of operation time parameters. Instead of requiring users to input numerical values for start and end times, the system provides draggable indicators that visually represent time points on the virtual track, making precise time control intuitive and easy to adjust.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual track and indicators utilize color coding to represent different operation states and time periods. This visual differentiation helps users quickly understand operation timing and make precise adjustments without dealing with complex numerical parameters, enhancing both precision and ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device, method and timeline user interface for controlling home devices are provided. The method for controlling home devices includes displaying a virtual track on a display unit of a control device, displaying an indicator indicating operation information of a home device connected to the control device through the network along the virtual track, moving the indicator along the virtual track based on a user input; and controlling an operation time of the home device based on the location of the indicator along the virtual track.