Electronic Device Server Association via Dynamic Conversion Rules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies require complex procedures for associating electronic devices, as different device combinations necessitate unique conversion rules for file access commands, making it difficult for devices to be freely associated.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device and server system that transmits and receives device identification information and association operation programs over a network, allowing devices to be controlled through a simple association process using a control unit and program acquisition unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conversion rules are stored in advance in the communication device, then control of other devices can be realized, but the device complexity increases and adaptability decreases when devices serving as control targets are different

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice association flexibilityVSAvoidconversion rule storage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the communication device and multiple target devices. The server stores and manages conversion rules for different device combinations, while the communication device only needs to communicate with the server to obtain appropriate conversion rules dynamically. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by externalizing the complex rule storage from the communication device to the server, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high adaptability for device association.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic conversion rule retrieval where the communication device obtains conversion rules from the server based on real-time device identification information, rather than relying on pre-stored static rules. The system dynamically adapts to different device combinations by querying the server for appropriate conversion rules, enabling flexible device association without increasing communication device complexity. This dynamic approach allows the system to handle diverse device scenarios efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If different conversion rules are stored for different device combinations, then accurate control is achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complicated association procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol accuracyVSAvoidassociation procedure simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the communication device to automatically obtain the appropriate conversion rules from the server by transmitting device identification information and receiving the corresponding rules without user intervention. The system performs self-service by automatically querying, retrieving, and applying the correct conversion rules based on the target device identity, thereby maintaining control accuracy while eliminating the need for users to manually configure complex association procedures. This automation significantly improves ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If conversion rules are pre-stored in the communication device, then control commands can be converted, but loss of information occurs when devices are not previously configured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommand conversion efficiencyVSAvoidconversion rule availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the communication device proactively query the server for conversion rules before executing control operations. Instead of relying on pre-stored rules that may not exist for all device combinations, the system performs the information retrieval action in advance by communicating with the server to obtain the necessary conversion rules, thereby preventing information loss and ensuring command conversion can proceed efficiently for any device combination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10432454B2Electronic device, server, electronic device controlling method, information processing method and recording medium

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

There is provided an electronic device connected to a network, including a transmission unit which transmits device identification information of the electronic device and at least one other electronic device to a server over the network, a reception unit which receives association operation programs for the electronic device and the at least one other electronic device from the server over the network, and a control unit which controls the electronic device according to the association operation program.