Wallpaper Control Interface for Flexible Building Function Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling functions in buildings lack flexibility in the location from which activities are managed, often restricting users to fixed positions and offering limited selection options, which can be aesthetically unappealing and inconvenient, especially when interior designs change.
Innovation Solution
A function activity handling arrangement that includes a wallpaper with embedded electrical wires, a user input detector, and a pulse response analyzing unit, allowing users to control functions by touching the wallpaper at any chosen location, with the ability to associate specific response patterns with functions through a training interval and update these associations dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed actuator is mounted on a conductor in the room, then the function control location is determined during planning, but the flexibility to change control location is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the wall surface into multiple selectable zones, each capable of functioning as a control location. Instead of having a single fixed actuator, the wall is segmented into multiple potential control points that can be independently activated or deactivated based on user needs and interior design changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The control location is made dynamic rather than static. The system allows users to change which wall zone serves as the control location at different times, adapting to changing interior designs and user preferences without requiring physical reinstallation of actuators.
2Ease of operation
If dedicated user interface devices are used for temporary functions, then function control is possible, but the user is restricted to specific device locations
Solution Approach 1:
The wall surface serves multiple functions: it acts as both the structural element and the control interface. Any zone of the wall can function as a control location, eliminating the need for dedicated user interface devices at specific locations and allowing users to control functions from any wall area.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall acts as an intermediary between the user and the building functions. Instead of requiring direct interaction with dedicated control devices, the user interacts with the wall surface itself, which mediates the control signal to the appropriate function.
3Ease of operation
If light switches and actuating equipment are installed in the room, then function control is enabled, but aesthetic appeal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface is merged with the wall surface itself. Instead of having separate light switches and actuators mounted on the wall, the wall coating material integrates the control functionality, making the control elements indistinguishable from the wall surface and thus aesthetically pleasing.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual appearance of the wall surface is maintained uniformly across the entire wall, including the zones that have control functionality. The control zones are visually indistinguishable from the rest of the wall, allowing the aesthetic appearance to be preserved while maintaining control capability.
4Ease of operation
If binary selection options are provided for functions, then simple control is achieved, but the range of possible selections is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides more control options than the minimum binary on/off selection. By allowing users to select from multiple wall zones and potentially combine zones, the system offers excessive action possibilities beyond simple binary control, enabling more nuanced function control while maintaining operational simplicity.
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
This solution provides great flexibility in selecting the location for controlling functions, allowing users to choose from any area of the wallpaper, enhancing both spatial and temporal flexibility, and enabling a wider range of control options beyond binary selections, while being aesthetically appealing and adaptable to changing environments.
Implementation Method 1
a pulse providing unit that sends electric pulses to the wire group
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed towards a function activity handling arrangement for provision in a building as well as a method, computer program and computer program product for performing an activity of a function in a building. The arrangement comprises a wallpaper (10, 3, 14) with a group of embedded electrical wires. The arrangement may also comprise a user input detector (18) equipped with a wire connector for connection to the wire group, a pulse providing unit sending electric pulses to the wire group, a pulse response detecting unit detecting a group of response signals corresponding to the sent pulses and a pulse response analyzing unit that compares the response signal group with a set of response patterns and provides, if the detected response signal group matches a response pattern, user input data for a corresponding function.