Unified Mobile Interface for Multi-Device State Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inconvenience in controlling multiple controllable devices from different manufacturers, as each device typically requires a separate smartphone application, due to the client-API-server architecture that limits interaction and security management, and existing solutions like IFTTT have limited flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A user device with a user interface application that can control multiple controllable device applications from various manufacturers, allowing users to manage and interact with different devices through a single interface, without needing to access each individual application, by learning how to control associated devices through user input and credential management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users install separate applications for each controllable device, then security and functionality management for each device is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates due to needing to open multiple applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate device applications into a single unified application that can control multiple controllable devices. The system integrates multiple device-specific applications (each with its own security and control functions) into one consolidated application interface, allowing users to control all devices through a single app while maintaining the security and functionality of each individual device through integrated authentication and control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal application that serves multiple functions across different device types and manufacturers. The single application is designed to be multi-functional, supporting control of various controllable devices (garage doors, gates, doors, windows) from different manufacturers through a common interface, eliminating the need for users to install and switch between multiple manufacturer-specific applications.
2Reliability
If manufacturers use client-API-server architecture, then security and functionality of the manufacturer's network is managed, but application flexibility deteriorates due to limited interaction methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer within the unified application that mediates between the user interface and multiple device-specific APIs. This intermediary component translates user commands into the appropriate API calls for each device manufacturer's server, allowing the single application to interact with multiple different APIs while maintaining network security through controlled authentication and communication protocols.
3Measurement precision
If users need to access individual applications for each device, then device-specific control precision is maintained, but time consumption increases due to switching between applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the unified application into multiple functional modules or tabs, each dedicated to controlling a specific controllable device or device type. Within the single application, users can access device-specific control interfaces that provide precise control for each device while remaining within the same application context, eliminating the need to switch between separate applications and reducing time consumption.
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.