Smart Appliance App Provisioning via Network Detection and Sync
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of network-enabled appliances face challenges in locating and downloading manufacturer-supplied apps across different operating systems and need to manually sign into each device, which is inefficient and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A setup agent on a smart device automates the app synchronization and login authentication process by scanning the network environment, detecting available appliances, recommending or downloading apps, and synchronizing app status across multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually locate and download apps for each device, then app installation can be completed, but the process is time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting appliances on the network and pre-fetching or pre-installing the corresponding apps before the user needs them. The setup agent scans the network environment, identifies appliances, and initiates app download and installation processes in advance, eliminating the need for users to manually search and install each app sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by implementing automated app installation and authentication processes. The setup agent automatically downloads apps from appropriate sources, installs them on relevant devices, and handles login authentication without requiring user intervention. This self-service mechanism resolves the technical contradiction by making the process both easier and faster.
2Productivity
If users manually sign into each device, then authentication can be completed, but the process becomes complex and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple separate authentication actions into a single unified process. Instead of requiring users to sign into each device individually, the setup agent consolidates authentication across multiple devices simultaneously, handling login credentials and authentication tokens in a centralized manner that reduces both time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication mechanism is designed with universality, allowing a single authentication action to validate access across multiple devices and operating systems. The setup agent implements a universal authentication approach that works across different device types and platforms, eliminating the need for device-specific authentication procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system supports multiple operating systems, then compatibility is improved, but the synchronization process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The setup agent acts as an intermediary that manages app synchronization across multiple operating systems. Rather than requiring direct complex interactions between different OS platforms, the setup agent mediates the synchronization process, handling platform-specific protocols and data formats, and translating between them to enable seamless app distribution across iOS, Android, and other platforms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method is used to provision an app to a smart device for use in connection with an appliance. A presence of the appliance on a wireless network which includes the smart device is detected and data received from the appliance is used to initiate a retrieval of the app. When the retrieved app is installed on the smart device the app is usable with the smart device to provide at least an interface between the smart device and the appliance. In some circumstance, installation of the app on the smart device may also include causing the app to be synchronized with a corresponding app that was prior installed on another smart device capable of communicating with the appliance.