Distribution Server for Automatic Peripheral Device Linking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for linking mobile terminals with peripheral devices in various locations are complex, making it difficult for users to easily utilize these devices, especially for those without technical background knowledge.

Innovation Solution

A distribution server that detects mobile terminals in proximity to peripheral devices and generates applications for those devices, automatically distributing them to the terminal for seamless usage, including printers, projectors, and thermometers, simplifying the connection process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the user manually links mobile terminal and peripheral apparatus through multiple operations (finding device, installing application, setting apparatus information), then the linking function is achieved, but the operation complexity increases and ease of use deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic device discovery, application selection, and configuration based on location information. The mobile terminal automatically obtains apparatus information (IP addresses, device IDs) and links to peripheral devices without user intervention, making the system serve itself rather than requiring manual user configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures application information and apparatus information in advance based on location data. When the mobile terminal enters a specific location, the linking process is already prepared and can be executed automatically without requiring the user to perform multiple manual operations at that moment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system provides comprehensive device discovery and application matching functionality, then the adaptability to different peripheral devices improves, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces a distribution server as an intermediary that manages device information, application information, and the linking process. This mediator handles the complexity of matching mobile terminals with appropriate peripheral devices and applications, while users only need to provide location information, thus maintaining high adaptability without increasing user-facing system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2928158B1Distribution apparatus and distribution method
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 FUJITSU LTD
  • EP2928158B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2928158B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2928158B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A distribution device which includes a computer processor, the device includes: a storage unit configured to store information of at least one of a device that is available in a predetermined location and an application for controlling the device; a distribution unit configured to distribute the application to a mobile terminal when the mobile terminal is detected in the predetermined location.