Unified Device Control Interface for Multi-App Smartphone Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users need to use different smartphone applications for each controllable device, as manufacturers segregate their applications due to client-API-server architecture, leading to inconvenience and limited flexibility in controlling multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
A user interface application on a user device that integrates multiple controllable device applications, allowing a single interface to control devices from different manufacturers by learning user interactions and providing higher-level functionality, while the underlying applications remain unchanged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manufacturers use separate applications for each controllable device, then device control functionality is maintained, but user convenience and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate device applications into a single unified application that can control multiple controllable devices. The user interface presents a consolidated view of all devices, allowing users to operate different devices through one application rather than switching between multiple manufacturer-specific applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified application serves multiple functions by integrating control capabilities for various types of controllable devices from different manufacturers. A single application provides universal control over garage door openers, door locks, and other devices, eliminating the need for device-specific applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manufacturers segregate applications by device type, then security and functionality management is simplified, but adaptability and versatility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The unified application acts as an intermediary layer between the user and multiple controllable devices from different manufacturers. It manages communications with various devices through standardized interfaces, allowing the application to control diverse devices without requiring separate applications for each manufacturer or device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The application architecture segments device control functionality into modular components that can independently manage different device types while being coordinated through a unified user interface. This allows the application to maintain specialized control logic for each device type while presenting a consolidated interface to users.
3Productivity
If multiple applications are used for different devices, then device-specific functionality is preserved, but time efficiency and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple device control applications into a single unified application, eliminating the time users would spend opening, switching between, and navigating multiple separate applications. All device controls are accessible from one application interface, improving productivity by reducing application switching time.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a user device is provided that includes a processor configured to execute a user interface application, a controllable device application, and an operating system of the user device. The user device includes communication circuitry configured to facilitate communication between the controllable device application and the controllable device. The user interface application is configured to detect a notification of the controllable device application communicated to the operating system, the notification pertaining to a state of the controllable device associated with the controllable device application. The user interface application is configured to determine the state of the controllable device based at least in part on the notification of the controllable device application communicated to the operating system of the user device. The user interface application is configured to provide, via a user interface of the user device, the state of the controllable device determined by the user interface application.