Device Application Identification System for IoT Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in identifying the correct software application to control smart devices within an IoT network, especially when they are unfamiliar with the device's manufacturer, model, or when multiple devices from different manufacturers are involved, leading to a cumbersome process that can be time-consuming and costly.

Innovation Solution

A device application identification system that reads an identifier broadcast by a target device, identifies the corresponding software application, and presents it to the user, simplifying the process by correlating device information with available applications and providing direct access or installation instructions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If users manually search for software applications to control smart devices, then they can find the correct application, but the process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of identifying correct software applicationVSAvoidtime required to identify and install software application
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically reading the device identifier, searching for the corresponding software application, and preparing installation instructions before the user needs them. This eliminates the manual search process and provides the correct application information ready for immediate use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by automatically matching device identifiers with software applications without requiring user intervention in the search process. The device application identification system independently completes the identification and presentation of the correct software application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If users deal with multiple devices from different manufacturers, then they can control more devices, but the complexity of identifying correct applications increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to control multiple devices from different manufacturersVSAvoidcomplexity of identifying and managing software applications
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides a universal solution that works across multiple device manufacturers and types. By using a standardized approach of reading device identifiers and automatically matching them with corresponding software applications, the system handles diverse devices through a single unified process, eliminating the need for manufacturer-specific identification procedures.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The device application identification system acts as an intermediary between the user and multiple device manufacturers. It translates various device identifiers into the corresponding software application information, serving as a mediator that simplifies the interaction between users and devices from different manufacturers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If users manually search for software applications, then they can find the correct application, but the process becomes costly in terms of user effort and resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of finding correct software applicationVSAvoiduser effort required to find and install software application
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs the search and identification tasks automatically without requiring user effort. The device application identification system independently reads device identifiers, searches for matching software applications, and presents the results, allowing users to simply follow installation instructions without manual searching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical manual search process with an automated electronic identification and matching system. Instead of users manually searching through applications or websites, the system electronically reads device identifiers and automatically retrieves the corresponding software application information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12141641B2Software application identification for device
Publication Date: 2024.11.12 LENOVO SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH
  • US12141641B2 patent drawing
  • US12141641B2 patent drawing
  • US12141641B2 patent drawing

AI summary

One embodiment provides a method, the method including: reading, using a device application identification system of an information handling device of a user, an identifier broadcast by a device, wherein the device is enabled to communicate with other devices within a network of devices; identifying, using the device application identification system and based on the identifier, a software application corresponding to the device; and presenting, using the device application identification system, the software application to the user. Other aspects are claimed and described.