Touchscreen Shutter Interface for Remote Position Confirmation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric shutter devices lack remote control functionality for precise positioning and confirmation of shutter states, requiring users to physically verify the shutter position, which is inconvenient and limits remote operation effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling an electric shutter device via a network-connected information apparatus with a touch panel display, allowing users to display an operation icon, select an operation screen with a shutter image, and perform swipe operations to control the shutter's movement and position, including intermediate positioning and obstacle detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a remote operation device with simple buttons is used to control the shutter, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of shutter position and the ease of operation for precise positioning deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote control device structureVSAvoidshutter position confirmation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a visual copy of the shutter state by displaying an image that mirrors the actual shutter position on the touch panel. This allows users to see the shutter's real-time state without physically visiting the location, achieving precise position confirmation through visual reproduction rather than direct observation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical button pressing with touch panel operations. Users interact with visual representations of the shutter on the touchscreen, and the system translates these touch inputs into control commands, substituting mechanical button operations with electronic touch interface operations for more precise control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If users physically verify shutter position, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshutter position verificationVSAvoidtime for position confirmation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates and displays a real-time visual copy of the shutter state on the touch panel, allowing users to verify position remotely instantaneously. This eliminates the time-consuming physical travel to verify shutter position while maintaining accurate position confirmation through the displayed image.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The touch panel display acts as an intermediary between the user and the physical shutter. Instead of directly observing the shutter, users interact with and observe a visual representation on the screen, which mediates the information transfer and enables remote verification without physical presence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If operation buttons are provided for open/close/stop, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability for precise intermediate positioning deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshutter control operationVSAvoidintermediate position control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static binary control (open/close buttons) into a dynamic continuous control system. The touch panel allows users to drag or swipe to any position along the shutter's movement range, enabling precise intermediate positioning while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive touch gestures rather than fixed button presses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a visual dimension to the control interface by displaying the shutter's current position and allowing touch interactions across the visual representation. This transforms one-dimensional button control into a two-dimensional touch interface where users can precisely position the shutter by interacting with the visual display, enhancing adaptability for intermediate positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS9354798B2Information apparatus having an interface for a remote control

Publication Date: 2016.05.31 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP OF AMERICA

AI summary

A control method causes a processor of an information apparatus to display an operation icon for causing an operation screen for an electric shutter device to be displayed. An operation screen is displayed which includes a shutter image representing a shutter of the electric shutter device when selection of the operation icon is sensed. When a swipe operation is sensed, a movement control command for moving the shutter in a swipe direction is outputted, and the shutter represented in the shutter image is moved in accordance with a swipe amount of the swipe operation. When stop information is received and the shutter represented in the shutter image is varied into a closed state, the shutter represented in the shutter image is retuned in a second direction opposite to a first direction which is a moving direction of the shutter represented in the shutter image.