Conditional Service Implementation via Location Data Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for controlling access to home automation services in a local network rely on users connecting via Wi-Fi to determine their location, which can be inconvenient and insecure, as they require users to switch networks or rely on mobile device location determination.

Innovation Solution

A method that conditionally implements services on connected objects based on actual location data, allowing access only if the terminal is within the local network range, using a broadcast protocol like Bluetooth to notify the gateway of the user's presence, enabling secure and convenient access without requiring Wi-Fi connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If users connect to Wi-Fi network to determine location for service access control, then security is improved, but user convenience deteriorates as users must switch networks or connect to local network

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a gateway as an intermediary device that receives location information from mobile networks and makes it available to connected objects. This mediator allows the system to determine user location without requiring direct Wi-Fi connection, thus maintaining security while improving convenience. The gateway translates mobile network location data into a form usable by the home automation system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If users remain connected to mobile network for better speed, then network performance is improved, but location determination capability deteriorates as mobile devices must determine their own location

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork speedVSAvoidlocation determination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the location determination function from the mobile device and relocates it to the gateway. The gateway receives location information from the mobile network infrastructure and processes it centrally. This extraction reduces the complexity burden on the mobile device, allowing it to maintain optimal network connection while the gateway handles location processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If voluntary Wi-Fi connection is required for local access, then access control is improved, but system adaptability deteriorates as users cannot access services while maintaining mobile network connection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess controlVSAvoidnetwork access flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the gateway a universal access point that handles multiple network types (mobile network and Wi-Fi) through a single interface. The gateway can process location information from mobile networks and authorize services accordingly, eliminating the need for separate Wi-Fi connection requirements. This multi-functionality allows users to access services flexibly through either network type while maintaining proper access control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3337137B1Conditional implementation of a service
Publication Date: 2024.03.27 ORANGE SA
  • EP3337137B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3337137B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for conditionally implementing a service (A, B, C) on a connected object (3) of a local area network (1). The service implementation is associated on said object with at least one location data point (L/D). The method comprises the following steps on the object: A. Receiving (E1) a request (M2) to implement the service from a first terminal, said request including at least the service identifier (SiD) and the identifier of said terminal (DiD); B. Receiving (E4) a message (M4) containing at least one location data point from the first terminal (L/D); C. Comparing (E5) the location data point from the first terminal with the location data point associated with the service implementation; D. Based on the results of the comparison, implementing (E6) the service on the object.