Host-Client Relay for Unsupported Connectivity Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current smart home systems cannot control target devices with connectivity types not supported by the host, limiting the ability of clients to use various services across different devices, such as controlling a coffee maker with Bluetooth connectivity from a host that only supports WiFi and Zigbee.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that allow a client with the same connectivity as a target device to discover and manage target information, and transmit service control signals to the target device, enabling control even if the host does not support the target device's connectivity, by using a first client with matching connectivity to relay control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the host uses traditional discovery methods to manage target devices, then devices with supported connectivity can be controlled, but devices with unsupported connectivity cannot be discovered or controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a client as an intermediary device that bridges the host and target devices with unsupported connectivity. The client discovers target devices using its own connectivity capabilities (e.g., Bluetooth), retrieves their information, and transmits it to the host. This intermediary approach enables the host to control devices it cannot directly discover, resolving the connectivity compatibility issue without requiring the host to support every possible connectivity type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a bridge device is used to control target devices with different connectivity, then homogeneous connectivity control is achieved, but the host still cannot discover or manage devices directly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the client serve multiple functions: it acts as a discovery device for target devices, an information relay between host and target devices, and a control signal transmitter. This multi-functional client eliminates the need for separate bridge devices while enabling the host to discover and control diverse target devices through a unified mechanism, improving ease of operation.
3Productivity
If the host directly controls target devices, then control efficiency is high, but devices with unsupported connectivity cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control process into three distinct phases: discovery (performed by client using its connectivity capabilities), information management (performed by host), and control execution (performed by host transmitting through client). This segmentation allows each component to operate within its capabilities while achieving overall system efficiency, maintaining high productivity through clear role division.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and apparatus for controlling a target device of a host and a client for supporting a service for the target device which has connectivity not supported by the host. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the method for controlling the target device of the host includes: receiving, from a first client having the same connectivity as that of at least one target device, target information on the target device, and managing the target information; and, when a service request signal for the target device is received from a second client, transmitting, to the target device, a service control signal for controlling the target device using the target information.