Timing Device Wireless Control System for Peripheral Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional time display devices cannot control peripheral components in response to elapsed time.

Innovation Solution

A control system comprising a timing device with a detector and a radiotransmitter to send wireless signals indicating elapsed time, and a computer with a receiver and transmitter to control other devices based on these signals, allowing for the management of environmental settings like lighting, audio, and air conditioning in response to the elapsed time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional time display device is used, then the elapsed time can be indicated, but the device cannot control peripheral components in response to the elapsed time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The timing device is enhanced with a radiotransmitter that enables it to perform multiple functions: not only indicating elapsed time but also transmitting timing information wirelessly to control peripheral components. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by adding control capability without requiring a completely separate control system.

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

Solution Approach 2:

A radiotransmitter serves as an intermediary component that bridges the timing device and peripheral components. It receives the elapsed time signal from the timing device and transmits control signals to peripheral components, enabling indirect control while maintaining system modularity and avoiding direct complex connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If wireless signal transmission is added to the timing device, then control of peripheral devices becomes possible, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidcomponent quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The radiotransmitter function is integrated into the existing timing device structure, merging the time indication and wireless transmission functions into a single unified device. This reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate control devices and simplifying the system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the control of devices and environmental settings in response to elapsed time, enhancing user experience and convenience by automatically managing room conditions during assigned usage periods.

Implementation Method 1

a detector to detect inversion of the timing device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

a radiotransmitter to transmit a predetermined wireless signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3125051B1Control system, timing device, and process executed by the system
Publication Date: 2020.06.03 FUJITSU LTD
  • EP3125051B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3125051B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3125051B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A control system includes a timing device 30 to indicate an elapsed time from a time point at inversion of the timing device 30, and a computer 10 including a transmitter 109 to start transmission of a control signal according to a control scenario determined with a predetermined signal to a predetermined device 21, 22, 23, or 24 other than the timing device 30 if switching of the timing device 30 to an operational mode is determined, and to transmit a signal indicating the end of the control for the predetermined device 21, 22, or 23 if switching of the timing device 30 to a nonoperational mode is determined. The control system reduces the number of steps of managing tokens, archives, and token passwords by a terminal manager, and further improves the security level of the terminal.