Networked Appliance Binding via Claim Token Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Networked appliances with limited user input capabilities face difficulties in handling, storing, and transferring digital media files, particularly when downloading from web-based services, due to cumbersome keyboard navigation and the need to input complex data like URLs.
Innovation Solution
A two-factor binding process using a claim token, where the networked device initiates contact with a service, receives a claim token displayed on its interface, and the user registers this token on a web site with a more capable device, allowing the service to return a permanent device identifier for subsequent access, eliminating the need for direct input on the appliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a networked appliance uses a basic user interface with limited input capabilities, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost decreases, but the ease of operation deteriorates when downloading files from web-based services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a web server as an intermediary between the networked appliance and the binding process. The appliance displays a claim token, and the user enters it on a web server interface that has full input capabilities. This intermediary handles the complex URL typing and service binding operations, allowing the appliance to remain simple while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the user type URLs and configuration data directly on the appliance keyboard, the patent inverts the process: the appliance generates and displays a simple claim token, and the user performs the complex input operations on a separate web server interface. This reversal allows the simple device to leverage the input capabilities of a more capable interface.
2Device complexity
If the appliance requires users to type URLs and configuration data using on-device keyboards, then device functionality remains simple, but productivity decreases due to cumbersome data entry
Solution Approach 1:
The web server acts as a mediator that handles the time-consuming URL typing and configuration data entry. The appliance only needs to display a short claim token, while the web server interface handles all the productive work of entering service configuration details, dramatically improving productivity without adding complexity to the appliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex data entry operations from the appliance itself and relocates them to the web server interface. By taking out the URL typing and configuration input tasks from the appliance context and placing them on a separate web-based interface, the system improves productivity while keeping the appliance simple.
3Ease of manufacture
If the appliance has a minimal user interface for cost reduction, then manufacturing cost decreases, but ease of operation worsens when associating the device with web services
Solution Approach 1:
The web server serves as an intermediary that provides a full-featured interface for service association. The appliance can maintain its minimal, cost-effective design while the web server handles the complex interactions with web services, including URL entry and configuration, thereby maintaining ease of operation without compromising ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the user to self-service the complex binding process through the web interface. The appliance displays the claim token, and the user independently completes the service association on the web server without requiring complex on-device controls, maintaining both manufacturing simplicity and operational ease.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for associating a networked device with an online service is provided. The networked device may be an appliance or other device that has limited input capabilities, making it difficult to to download information such as digital media files from an online service without having to input a significant amount of information using the device or appliance. The method begins by establishing communication with a service over a network. A claim token is received from the service over the network. The claim token is returned to the service over the network after the claim token has been bound to an authorized user of the service. In response to return of the claim token, a device identifier binds the networked device to an account with the service that is associated with the authorized user.