IoT Device Grouping by Signal Intensity for Room-Based Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing IoT device management systems face challenges in efficiently designating and controlling device groups within a house, particularly due to limitations in communication range and spatial separation, leading to difficulties in coordinating multiple IoT devices across different spaces.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device and method that designates a device group based on the intensity of a response signal from external devices, using sound signals or other communication methods to identify and control devices within the same spatial area, allowing for more effective control of IoT devices across various spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If devices are divided into separated spaces for control, then communication reliability is improved, but device coordination complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoiddevice coordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments devices into different spatial groups (first space and second space) based on signal intensity thresholds. Devices in the first space form a first device group, while devices in the second space form a second device group. This segmentation allows reliable communication within each group while reducing overall system complexity through organized structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic device acts as an intermediary that receives signals from external devices, determines their spatial location based on signal intensity, and coordinates communication between different device groups. This intermediary function simplifies the coordination complexity by centralizing the decision-making process for device grouping and signal routing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If signal transmission range is extended to cover more devices, then device coverage is improved, but signal intensity precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice coverageVSAvoidsignal intensity precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different signal intensity thresholds for different spatial zones. Devices are evaluated against threshold values that are specific to their local spatial context (first space vs. second space). This local quality approach allows the system to maintain signal intensity precision within each local area while extending overall device coverage across multiple spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables more efficient control of IoT devices by accurately designating and grouping devices based on signal intensity, improving user interaction and device coordination across different spaces within a house.

Implementation Method 1

receive a response signal including intensity information of a signal sensed by the external device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal intensity measurement:

Data Source

PatentEP3616009B1Electronic device and method for controlling thereof
Publication Date: 2023.03.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3616009B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP3616009B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3616009B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An electronic device and a controlling method are provided. The controlling method of the electronic device includes transmitting a signal to a plurality of external devices communicatively connected to the electronic device, receiving, from each of the plurality of external devices, intensity information of the signal sensed by an external device and identification information of an external device, determining at least one external device that is positioned in a same space as the electronic device, from among the plurality of external devices, based on the response signal, designating the at least one external device and the electronic device as a device group, and controlling the device group based on the user command, when a user command is input to at least one deice from among the device groups.