Virtual Control Panels via Short-Range Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional controllers for target devices, such as entertainment systems or room lighting, are often inconvenient or impossible to install in desired locations due to the need for wires or complex initial configurations, and they lack intuitive control interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A computing device, such as a mobile device, obtains control information from a remote identification device using near-field communication or optical codes, displaying a virtual control panel with adjustable parameters, allowing users to control target devices without physical menus or complex setups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional controllers are installed for target devices, then control functionality is provided, but installation complexity and inconvenience increase due to wires and complex initial configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the controller interface on the mobile computing device screen, which replicates the control panel functionality without requiring physical installation. The control panel is displayed as a graphical user interface that the user can interact with through touch input, eliminating the need for physical controllers and their associated wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical controller system with a software-based virtual control panel. Instead of using physical buttons, dials, or wired controllers, the system uses a touchscreen display with graphical interface elements that respond to touch inputs, substituting mechanical interaction with digital interaction.
2Ease of operation
If conventional controllers are used, then control functionality is achieved, but user interface intuitiveness deteriorates due to lack of intuitive control interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile computing device serves multiple functions: it acts as both the control interface and the display device. The same touchscreen device that the user interacts with for general computing purposes also functions as the control panel for the target device, eliminating the need for separate specialized controllers and providing a familiar, intuitive interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the mobile device's own existing hardware (touchscreen, processor, communication interfaces) to provide control functionality. The device leverages its built-in capabilities to create and execute the virtual control panel application, requiring no additional specialized hardware or complex external configurations.
3Device complexity
If virtual control panel is displayed on mobile device, then installation complexity is reduced, but communication reliability must be maintained over short-range wireless connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary layer that mediates between the mobile computing device and the target device. The system establishes a wireless communication session (using protocols such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, or other short-range wireless technologies) that reliably transfers control inputs from the mobile device to the target device without requiring physical connections.
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 convenient and intuitive control of target devices by displaying a virtual control panel on a computing device, allowing users to adjust parameters directly through the device's interface, reducing installation complexity and enhancing user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
A mobile computing device includes a near-field communication module configured to obtain control information from an identification device located remote from a target device
Data Source
AI summary
In general, techniques and systems for controlling a parameter of a target device are described. In one example, a method includes obtaining, by a computing device, control information from an identification device located remote from a target device, wherein the control information is associated with the target device, and, responsive to obtaining the control information, displaying a control panel at a display of the computing device, wherein the control panel comprises at least one parameter that at least partially defines operation of the target device. The method may also include receiving, by the computing device, an adjustment to the at least one parameter of the control panel, and responsive to receiving the adjustment, transmitting adjustment information to a receiver associated with the target device, wherein the adjustment information is representative of the adjustment.