Unified UI for Home Network Device Control via Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current home network systems lack an efficient method for easily controlling a variety of devices, leading to increased user burden and complexity in managing and interacting with multiple devices within the network.
Innovation Solution
A network apparatus and content playing apparatus system that generates an integrated user interface (UI) to simplify device control, allowing users to input commands that are translated into control commands for devices such as smart TVs, home theaters, and lamps, using a network server to manage and transmit these commands across the home network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users control multiple devices individually in home network systems, then each device can be operated independently, but user burden and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple device control interfaces into a single unified UI that can control various home network devices (TV, audio device, speaker, lamp) through one application. The server aggregates control signals for multiple devices and transmits them through a single communication path, reducing the number of separate control operations users must perform while maintaining independent device operation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control server and unified UI implement multi-functionality by enabling a single interface to control diverse device types across different categories (entertainment devices, audio equipment, lighting). The system adapts its behavior based on the target device type, providing device-specific control functions within a universal framework that eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms for each device.
2Ease of operation
If a unified interface is provided to control multiple devices, then user convenience is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control server acts as an intermediary between the unified UI and multiple home network devices. It receives control signals from the UI, translates them into device-specific commands, manages communication protocols for different device types, and coordinates simultaneous control operations. This intermediary layer absorbs the complexity of multi-device communication while presenting a simplified interface to users.
Data Source
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AI summary
A content playing apparatus includes an input unit that is configured to receive a content sharing command, a communication unit that, when the input unit receives the content sharing command, is configured to communicate with a network apparatus that is connected to at least one device, and receive information on the at least one device, a graphical user interface processor that is configured to generate an integrated user interface (UI) to control the at least one device, based on the information on the at least one device received by the communication unit, a display that is configured to display the integrated UI, and a controller that, when a user command to control an operation of the at least one device is input through the integrated UI, is configured to transmit the user command to the network apparatus such that the network apparatus controls the operation of the at least one device.