Camera-Based External Device Authentication by Operation Sequences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for authenticating external devices through user terminal devices are inconvenient, especially for devices that are difficult to access, such as ceiling-mounted air conditioners, requiring users to physically interact with them.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus uses a camera to capture images of an external device's operations and compares the order of these operations with received order information to authenticate the device, allowing for remote authentication without direct physical interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user directly interacts with a household device for authentication (pressing buttons or capturing QR codes), then authentication can be performed, but it becomes inconvenient when the device is hard to reach (e.g., ceiling-mounted air conditioners)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary tool to capture images of the external device's display or indicators. Instead of requiring direct user interaction with the hard-to-reach device, the camera captures visual information (display content, LED patterns, or other visual indicators) that proves the device is present and responsive, enabling indirect authentication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical interaction system (pressing physical buttons) with an optical detection system (camera capturing images). The authentication process transitions from mechanical contact with the device to optical observation of the device's visual outputs, eliminating the need for physical access to the device
2Reliability
If a user climbs on a chair or uses a ladder to access a ceiling-mounted device for authentication, then authentication can be performed, but user safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The camera serves as a safe intermediary that allows authentication without requiring the user to physically approach or contact the ceiling-mounted device. The camera captures visual evidence of the device's presence and operational state from a safe distance, eliminating the need for users to climb ladders or chairs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy (image) of the external device's display or indicators through the camera. This copy contains sufficient information to verify the device's identity and operational state, allowing authentication to be performed on the captured image rather than requiring direct access to the original device
3Measurement precision
If the electronic apparatus captures multiple images and compares operation orders for authentication, then authentication accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes expected operation sequences or patterns for the external device. When capturing images, the system compares the captured visual information against these pre-defined operation patterns, allowing for rapid authentication decisions without requiring extensive analysis of multiple images
Solution Approach 2:
The system captures a sequence of images but may not need to analyze all of them equally. By using the first clear image that shows the external device's operational state, or by stopping the capture sequence once sufficient verification is obtained, the system achieves adequate authentication accuracy without unnecessary time consumption
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus includes a camera; a communication interface configured to communicate with an external device; and at least one processor configured to: receive, through the communication interface from the external device, first order information including an order of operations performed by the external device, based on receiving the first order information, obtain a plurality of captured images including the external device through the camera, obtain second order information indicating an order of operations performed by the external device based on the plurality of captured images, and based on the first order information matching the second order information, authenticate the external device.