Household Appliance Cloud Connectivity via Long-Range Fallback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household appliances often fail to connect to a control cloud due to lack of initial network configuration, leading to limited functionality and inability to utilize cloud-based services.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating multiple communication modules, including long-distance and short-distance wireless communication modules, with a control method that automatically initiates long-distance communication when short-distance communication is insufficient, and prompts users to select suitable modules for connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only short-distance communication module is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of connection to control cloud deteriorates when user does not configure network
Solution Approach 1:
The communication connection function is segmented into multiple independent communication modules (short-distance and long-distance types). Each module can independently attempt to establish a connection to the control cloud. When the short-distance module fails due to lack of user configuration, the long-distance module can independently take over, ensuring continuous connectivity without requiring the user to manually configure network settings.
2Reliability
If multiple communication modules are incorporated, then reliability of connection to control cloud is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically manages the multiple communication modules without requiring user intervention. It autonomously determines which module to activate based on connection status, automatically switches between modules when one fails, and manages the connection process independently. This self-service approach maintains high reliability while preventing the user from being overwhelmed by module selection complexity.
3Ease of operation
If long-distance communication module is activated automatically, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time for connection establishment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit periodically checks the connection status of communication modules and activates them in a timed sequence. The short-distance module is attempted first with a predetermined time limit, and if it fails, the long-distance module is activated subsequently. This periodic action with time limits ensures automatic operation while preventing excessive delay by establishing connections efficiently within acceptable time frames.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control method for controlling a device that includes a plurality of communication modules including a long-distance communication module that is a communication module for long-distance wireless communication and a short-distance communication module that is a communication module for short-distance wireless communication, the device being capable of being connected through each of the plurality of communication modules to a server that manages the device, the control method includes: receiving information necessary to the short-distance wireless communication by the short-distance communication module, when the long-distance communication module and the short-distance communication module are not operating (S601); determining whether the information received in the receiving (S601) satisfies a condition indicating that the information received in the receiving is sufficient for a first connection to the server using the short-distance communication module (S602); and causing the long-distance communication module to start operating, when it is determined in the determining (S602) that the information does not satisfy the condition (S603).