Dynamic Control Authority for Remote Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote control systems for indoor devices lack the ability to appropriately restrict control authority, allowing indefinite control even when the attribute certificate is valid, leading to potential unauthorized control.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that changes control authority for a device based on whether a monitored status is present, ensuring that control is only granted when the device or user is under supervision of an authorized party.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If control authority is granted based on attribute certificate verification, then remote control capability is enabled, but control cannot be restricted and remains indefinite

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidcontrol authority restriction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control authority is made dynamic by introducing time-based expiration and status-based activation. The attribute certificate includes a valid period, and control authority changes from inactive to active based on monitored status, creating a dynamic control system that adapts to different conditions rather than being static and indefinite

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control authority operates periodically with defined valid periods and expiration times. The system checks whether the current time falls within the valid period and whether monitored status is satisfied, creating periodic evaluation cycles that restrict control to specific time windows rather than allowing continuous indefinite access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Device complexity

If attribute certificate verification is used, then authentication is simplified, but control authority cannot be dynamically changed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication processVSAvoidcontrol authority flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control authority parameters (valid period, monitored status requirements, expiration time) are predetermined and embedded in the attribute certificate during issuance. This preliminary configuration enables dynamic control adjustments without requiring complex real-time authentication processes, maintaining simplicity while adding flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes control authority by evaluating parameter conditions (time within valid period, monitored status satisfaction) rather than requiring re-authentication. The attribute certificate parameters such as valid period, expiration time, and monitored status flags enable versatile control authority adjustments while keeping the authentication process simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If control is granted indefinitely with valid certificate, then user convenience is improved, but unauthorized control risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidunauthorized control risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system preemptively restricts control authority by requiring monitored status satisfaction and time validity checks before allowing control operations. This prior cushioning mechanism prevents unauthorized control attempts before they can execute, while still providing convenient access to authorized users within the valid period

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors status and evaluates whether control authority should be active or inactive based on current conditions. This feedback mechanism dynamically adjusts control availability, maintaining user convenience when conditions are met while automatically restricting access when monitored status is not satisfied or the valid period has expired

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10951601B2Information processing apparatus and information processing method

Publication Date: 2021.03.16 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

Provided is an information processing apparatus that includes a control authority managing unit configured to change a control authority for a device by a first user on a basis of whether or not a status is a monitored status. The monitored status is a status in which the device or the first user is under supervision of a second user having a management authority for the device, and the first user does not have the management authority for the device.