Virtual Interface for Wireless Device Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote device control systems require users to possess a specialized controller or have access to an input console for the device, limiting their ability to control devices without physical interaction or access.

Innovation Solution

A virtual interface system that allows users to receive control inputs, determine control signals, and transmit them to target devices wirelessly, enabling remote operation and information retrieval without needing a specialized controller or input console, using a local computing device and network connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a specialized controller or input console is used for remote device control, then the device can be operated remotely, but the user must possess or have access to that specific controller or console

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote device control capabilityVSAvoidaccessibility without specialized equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling general-purpose computing devices (smartphones, tablets, computers) to function as remote controllers for various devices. Instead of requiring specialized controllers for each device, the system allows any device with a web browser to access and control target devices through web-based interfaces, making the control capability universal across different platforms and devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a web server and network infrastructure as mediators between the user and the target device. The web server hosts control interfaces that can be accessed remotely through standard web browsers, acting as an intermediary layer that translates user interactions into device control commands without requiring direct connection or specialized hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a specialized controller is required for device control, then precise control signals can be generated, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol signal accuracyVSAvoidcontroller availability requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies copying by creating virtual replicas of controller interfaces through web-based user interfaces. These web interfaces replicate the functionality of physical controllers in software form, allowing users to interact with virtual buttons, sliders, and controls that mirror the original device's control scheme, thereby maintaining control accuracy without physical hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes mechanical control systems with software-based web interfaces. Instead of requiring physical controllers with mechanical buttons and switches, the system replaces them with digital interfaces accessible through web browsers, eliminating the need for specialized hardware while maintaining the ability to generate precise control signals through software processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11567571B2Remote control of a device via a virtual interface

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 AUTODESK INC

AI summary

A technique for controlling a target device via a virtual interface, the method including receiving a control input from a virtual interface, determining a control signal based on the control input for an operation to be performed by a first device that is configured to be controlled wirelessly, and transmitting the control signal to the first device to cause the first device to perform the operation.