Electrical Device Search System with Periodic Signal Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wide-area electrical device search systems pose security risks as search-target devices continuously transmit device numbers via radio signals, potentially allowing malicious interception, compromising privacy and security.
Innovation Solution
An electrical device with a receiver to detect target device information, a processor to determine network connectivity, and a transmitter to respond only when included in the target information, minimizing continuous signal transmission and reducing security threats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the search-target device continuously transmits device numbers via radio signals, then the device can be easily located for recall purposes, but the security and privacy of the property where the device is installed deteriorates due to potential malicious interception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the continuous transmission mode to periodic transmission. The search-target device transmits its device number only at specific intervals when triggered by a search device's inquiry signal, rather than continuously broadcasting. This periodic action maintains the ability to be located while significantly reducing the window of opportunity for malicious interception.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a search device as an intermediary between the requester and the search-target device. Instead of direct continuous broadcasting, the search device sends inquiry signals and receives responses. This intermediary mechanism controls when and how the device number is transmitted, reducing security risks while enabling location.
2Loss of information
If the search-target device transmits radio signals regularly, then the device number can be read for device identification, but the privacy of the installation location is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device transmits the device number periodically only in response to specific inquiry signals from search devices, rather than continuously broadcasting. This ensures the device number remains readable when needed while minimizing unnecessary transmissions that could reveal location information to malicious actors.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission behavior is made local and contextual - the device number is transmitted only when a search device is in proximity and sends an inquiry. This localized transmission approach ensures information availability for legitimate search operations while reducing overall exposure that could compromise privacy.
Data Source
AI summary
A first electrical device includes: a second radio signal receiver that receives target device information; a second processor that determines whether or not the first electrical device is included in the target device information and the first electrical device is connected to a network or whether or not a second electrical device capable of communicating with the first electrical device is included in the target device information and the second electrical device capable of communicating with the first electrical device is connected to the network; and a transmitter that, when a result of the determination by the second processor indicates that the first electrical device or the second electrical device is included in the target device information, transmits information indicating that the first electrical device or the second electrical device is the search-target device, as a response using a communication method based on the result of the determination.