Centralized Mode Notifications for Coordinated Device Applications

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing smart home services require users to individually execute applications on multiple devices, making it cumbersome to switch between different modes or jobs, such as transitioning from work to exercise, which is inefficient and inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device controls a plurality of devices to enter or exit a target mode collectively by transmitting notifications, pausing or resuming applications accordingly, and setting applications to execute based on the target mode, thereby simplifying the process for users.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users individually execute applications on multiple devices, then each device can perform its function, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of device controlVSAvoidtime for mode switching

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges control of multiple devices into a single electronic device that can send collective mode entry notifications to multiple target devices. When the user enters a target mode on one device, all connected target devices simultaneously enter that mode, eliminating the need to manually control each device individually.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring target devices and their corresponding applications. Before the user needs to switch modes, the system has already set up the relationships between devices and applications, so when mode switching is needed, it can execute immediately without manual configuration on each device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple devices are controlled individually, then each device operates independently, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice mode flexibilityVSAvoidsystem control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic device serves multiple functions: it acts as a control hub, a target device, and a notification sender. This universal device can control multiple other devices while also being controlled itself, reducing the need for separate control mechanisms for each device and simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If applications are manually switched on each device, then precise control is achieved, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication switching convenienceVSAvoidapplication management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic device acts as an intermediary between the user and multiple target devices. It receives the user's mode selection and automatically manages application execution on all target devices by sending notifications, eliminating the need for users to manually switch applications on each device while maintaining precise control over the system state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4369693B1Method and apparatus for controlling multiple devices

Publication Date: 2025.10.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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AI summary

An electronic device according to an embodiment may transmit a target mode entrance alert of the electronic device to a target device so that each of the electronic device and the target device can execute an application corresponding to a target mode. In addition, the electronic device may transmit a target mode release notification of the electronic device to the target device so that each of the electronic device and the target device can resume an application having been executed before entrance into the target mode.