Automated Home Network Device Locking via Presence Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices are vulnerable to theft and data security breaches due to the inefficiency of current security measures, which require tedious manual locking and unlocking processes, and rely heavily on house security systems that do not adequately protect devices within the home environment.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that identify connected electronic devices and personal devices associated with a home network, monitoring for presence events to automatically lock devices when personal devices are not in use for a predetermined time, integrating with home security systems to enhance device security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual locking and unlocking of each device is performed, then device security is improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice securityVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables electronic devices to automatically lock and unlock themselves based on detected presence events. When a personal device enters or leaves the geofenced area, the server automatically sends commands to lock or unlock connected electronic devices, eliminating the need for manual user intervention while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary locking actions before the user would need to manually lock devices. By monitoring presence events and automatically locking devices when personal devices leave the geofenced area, the system ensures security is established in advance, preventing potential security breaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual locking and unlocking of each device is performed, then device security is improved, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice securityVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Electronic devices automatically manage their own locking and unlocking states based on presence detection. The system monitors personal device presence and automatically updates the security state of connected electronic devices, completely eliminating manual operational complexity while maintaining strong security controls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides a universal solution that works across multiple different electronic devices and personal devices through a common server infrastructure. A single presence event detection mechanism can trigger locking/unlocking across various device types (TVs, computers, cameras, etc.), simplifying the user experience while maintaining comprehensive security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If automated locking based on presence events is implemented, then operational simplicity is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A server acts as an intermediary between personal devices and electronic devices, managing the complex logic of presence event monitoring and automatic locking/unlocking. The server receives presence event data, determines whether to trigger locking actions, and sends appropriate commands to electronic devices, centralizing complexity in the backend while keeping the user interface simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors presence events and automatically adjusts device locking states based on real-time feedback from personal device location data. When a personal device enters or leaves the geofenced area, the system receives feedback about the presence event and automatically responds by locking or unlocking electronic devices, creating a closed-loop control system that appears simple to users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3107263B1Method and apparatus for automated locking of electronic devices in connected environments
Publication Date: 2019.06.12 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3107263B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3107263B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3107263B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method is provided for operating a device capable of controlling at least one electronic device. The method comprises identifying the at least one electronic device connected to a home network and at least one personal device associated with the home network, monitoring the home network for a presence event, responsive to an occurrence of the presence event, determining whether one of the at least one identified personal device is present at a home, and locking the at least one identified electronic device if none of the at least one identified personal device is present at the home.