IoT Device Control by Signal Attenuation for Nearest Device Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the context of the Internet of Things, selecting the appropriate device to control is challenging, especially when multiple devices of the same type are present, as existing methods require manual selection or pre-configured location information, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A device control method where a main control device sends a signal to candidate controlled devices, receives their transmit power values, determines the device with the minimum signal attenuation as the target, and sends the control instruction, thereby automatically selecting the closest device without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual selection or pre-configured location information is used to select controlled devices, then device control can be achieved, but user operation becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables devices to automatically identify and select the nearest controlled device through signal strength measurement, eliminating the need for manual user selection. The main control device autonomously determines the target controlled device based on received signal power values, making the system self-serve the user's intent without requiring explicit device selection input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical selection operations with automated electromagnetic signal-based device identification. Instead of users manually selecting devices through interfaces, the system uses wireless signal strength measurements to automatically identify the nearest device, substituting physical interaction with field-based automated detection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple controlled devices are present, then more functionality is available, but device selection becomes complex and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses signal power values as a key parameter to automatically differentiate and select among multiple controlled devices. By measuring and comparing the received signal power from each controlled device, the system transforms the complex multi-device selection problem into a simple parameter-based comparison, where the device with the highest signal power (nearest device) is automatically selected.
3Measurement precision
If pre-configured location information is used, then device identification is possible, but system configuration becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring pre-configuration of location information during system setup, the patent performs preliminary signal strength measurements during the actual control operation. The main control device measures the signal power from each controlled device in real-time, eliminating the need for advance location configuration while still achieving precise device identification based on spatial proximity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device control method and an apparatus are provided. The device control method, applied to a main control device, includes: receiving a control instruction; sending a first signal to candidate controlled devices according to the control instruction; receiving second signals sent by the candidate controlled devices in response to the first signal, where the second signal carries a transmit power value of the candidate controlled device; determining a candidate controlled device corresponding to a minimum signal attenuation value as a target controlled device according to received power values for receiving the second signals by the main control device and the transmit power values of the candidate controlled devices carried in the second signals; and sending the control instruction to the target controlled device.