Appliance Remote Access Control via Dynamic Permission Assignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Simultaneous remote connections to electrical household appliances like laundry treatment machines and refrigerators often result in operational problems due to conflicting commands being processed by multiple users.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication method that grants read and write access to only one remote terminal while others have read-only access, operating the appliance in reduced power mode and using visual indicators like LEDs to show connection status, preventing conflicting commands and optimizing energy usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple remote terminals are allowed to connect simultaneously to the appliance, then more users can access and control the appliance from remote locations, but conflicting commands may be processed leading to operational problems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of remote usersVSAvoidcommand processing conflicts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different access rights to different remote terminals based on their connection sequence. The first connecting terminal receives read-write access while subsequent terminals receive only read-only access. This differentiated permission structure allows multiple users to connect simultaneously without causing command conflicts, as only one terminal can issue write commands at a time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts access permissions based on real-time connection status. When a new remote terminal connects, the system automatically reassigns permissions: the newest terminal gets read-write access while previous terminals are downgraded to read-only. This dynamic permission management ensures that only one terminal can execute write operations at any given moment, preventing command conflicts while allowing continuous multi-user monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Illumination intensity

If the appliance operates in normal power mode with full panel illumination, then users have better visibility and control, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel illuminationVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by controlling the front panel illumination based on remote connection status. When a remote terminal with read-write access is connected, the system periodically turns off the front panel illumination to save energy. The illumination is restored only when all remote connections are terminated. This periodic switching between illuminated and dark states reduces energy consumption during remote operation while maintaining usability when locally present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

Ensures seamless remote control of household appliances by multiple users without processing conflicts, while reducing power consumption and providing clear visual feedback on connection status.

Implementation Method 1

a visual indication means in the form of an indication LED provides information as to the connection status of the appliance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3164967B1Electrical household appliance network communication method
Publication Date: 2018.08.29 ARCELIK AS
  • EP3164967B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present invention relates to a wireless communication method for remotely controlling an electrical household appliance by which a plurality of users connect to said electrical household appliance from a remote location, said electrical household appliance comprising a front panel functioning as a user control interface, said method comprising the steps of; simultaneously receiving a plurality of connection requests from remote terminals in a communication network, granting one of the remote terminals read and write access and granting read only access to a plurality of remote terminals being not granted read and write access.