Home Network Device Registration via Unified Server Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Home network systems face usability issues due to differences in control methods and procedures when accessing and controlling home devices both within and outside the home, leading to inconsistent user experiences.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that enables home devices to be registered and controlled using a unified procedure and method through a service server, account server, and connectivity server, allowing for seamless communication and management of device information, authentication, and control signals across the network, regardless of the device's location.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate home gateway device is used to enable connection to home devices for control services outside the home, then connectivity and control capability are improved, but device complexity and usability deteriorate due to differences in control methods and procedures between inside and outside the home

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol service accessibilityVSAvoidcontrol procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling the home network system to operate with the same control procedures both inside and outside the home. The registration method allows devices to be registered with external servers using identical authentication and control protocols regardless of location, eliminating the need for separate control methods for in-home and out-of-home scenarios.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a registration mechanism that mediates between home devices and external servers. The control device registers home devices with external servers using authentication codes, creating a standardized interface that enables consistent control procedures both inside and outside the home without requiring complex location-based logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If different control methods are used for inside and outside the home, then specific control requirements are met, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inconsistent user experiences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol service reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol procedure consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies homogeneity by ensuring that the same control procedures and authentication methods are used both inside and outside the home. The registration process uses identical authentication codes and protocols regardless of location, creating a uniform user experience and eliminating the need for users to learn different control methods for different locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

3Adaptability or versatility

If home devices are registered with external servers using authentication codes, then unified control procedure is achieved, but loss of information occurs during the registration process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunified control capabilityVSAvoidauthentication information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by generating authentication codes in advance through the account server before the actual registration process. The control device receives and stores these authentication codes beforehand, allowing the registration to proceed smoothly without information loss. The pre-generated codes ensure that all necessary authentication information is available when needed for device registration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3086506B1Apparatus and method for registering home device in server in home network system
Publication Date: 2020.02.19 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3086506B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3086506B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3086506B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for registering a home device of a home network system in a server, the method comprising: receiving an access token from an account server managing an account for a control device; receiving a peer identifier (peer ID) identifying the home device and a peer group identifier (peer group ID) identifying a group of home devices from the control device; and logging into a connectivity server managing the connection between the home device and the control device on the basis of the access token, the peer ID, and the peer group ID.