Game Device Network Connection Control for Parental Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parental control systems struggle to effectively monitor and restrict the usage of not-always-connected communication terminals, such as game devices, without requiring constant network connectivity and explicit user intervention.
Innovation Solution
A communication system comprising a first communication terminal, a second communication terminal, and a server device, where the first terminal requests processing from the server, and the server instructs the second terminal to perform usage restrictions and upload game history, even when the second terminal is not always connected to the network, by automatically connecting and disconnecting as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the terminal is not always connected to the network, then power consumption and network usage are reduced, but the ability to receive monitoring instructions and upload data is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal dynamically adjusts its network connection state based on operational needs. The network connection control unit automatically connects the terminal to the network when processing instructions are received or when data upload is required, and disconnects when not needed. This dynamic connection management maintains monitoring reliability while reducing power consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal autonomously manages its own network connection without requiring constant user intervention. The network connection control unit automatically establishes and terminates network connections based on the reception of processing instructions from the server or the need to upload processed data, enabling the system to self-regulate connectivity to balance power consumption and monitoring reliability.
2Productivity
If the terminal connects to the network frequently, then data synchronization and monitoring responsiveness are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous network connection, the terminal employs periodic connection actions triggered by specific events. The network connection control unit establishes network connections periodically when processing instructions are received or when data needs to be uploaded to the server, then terminates the connection. This periodic action pattern ensures data synchronization and monitoring responsiveness while minimizing power consumption compared to continuous connectivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If parental control functions are implemented, then usage monitoring and restriction capability are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as an intermediary between the terminal and the parental control management system. The server device receives processing requests from the parent's communication terminal, formulates appropriate processing instructions, and transmits them to the target terminal. This intermediary approach enables comprehensive parental control functionality while keeping the terminal's local system complexity relatively low, as the complex management logic resides on the server side.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary communication system 1 includes communication terminal 10, game device 20, and setting management server 30, each of which is connectable to network 50. Communication terminal 10 includes a processing requesting unit configured to request to setting management server 30 execution of processing on game device 20. Setting management server 30 includes a processing instruction unit configured to instruct game device 20 to perform the requested execution of processing. Game device 20 is a communication terminal not always connected to network 50, which device includes a network connection control unit configured to control connection to network 50, and a processing execution unit configured to perform the instructed execution of processing, upon detecting that game device 20, which was not connected to network 50, has been caused to connect to the network by the network connection control unit.