IoT Hub Apparatus for Dynamic Device Selection and Service Provision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional IoT devices lack standardization, making them inconvenient to set up and use, as they often require separate input/output devices and are limited in functionality, leading to inefficiencies in service provision and device management.

Innovation Solution

A hub apparatus that selects devices based on state information to perform services, forming device groups and acquiring sensing information to provide various services using a limited number of devices, allowing for flexible service delivery and efficient device management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a conventional patch type device is used, then the device can be simple and specialized, but it requires separate input/output devices and multiple setup steps, reducing ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidsetup convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (sensing, processing, communication, and service execution) into a single integrated device. The device includes a sensor unit, processor, and communication unit all in one package, eliminating the need for separate input/output devices and reducing setup complexity while maintaining operational ease

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed to perform multiple services beyond its specialized function. It can execute various services by receiving service information from external devices and using its sensors to perform corresponding operations, making it a universal device that replaces multiple specialized devices

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If specialized patch type devices are used for specific services, then the device function is limited, but the user must buy new devices to add new services, increasing device quantity and management complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice functionVSAvoidnumber of devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple services. It includes a processor that can execute various service programs and a communication unit that can receive different service information, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized devices and reducing the total number of devices needed

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

Solution Approach 2:

The device's functionality is dynamic and can be changed by updating service information. The processor can load and execute different service programs, allowing the device to adapt to new services without hardware changes, thus reducing the need to purchase new devices for each service

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the same service is provided to all users, then the service management is simple, but it cannot vary services according to different user needs, reducing service quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice personalizationVSAvoidservice management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device includes a sensor unit that continuously monitors environmental conditions and user context. This feedback information is processed to dynamically adjust service delivery, allowing the same device to provide personalized services to different users based on real-time sensing data without requiring complex manual configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The device pre-loads multiple service programs and capabilities. When service information is received, the processor automatically selects and executes the appropriate service based on pre-configured parameters and real-time sensor data, enabling service variation without increasing management complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If services are managed for each device independently, then device management is simple, but it is difficult to maintain frequently used devices and manage power efficiently, reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice efficiencyVSAvoidmanagement system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges device management functions into a centralized cloud server that manages multiple devices. The server tracks device usage patterns, maintains service information, and coordinates power management across the network, enabling efficient resource allocation and device maintenance without increasing individual device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3320655B1Hub apparatus and method for providing service thereof
Publication Date: 2025.01.15 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3320655B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3320655B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3320655B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A hub apparatus and a method are provided for selecting a device. The method includes receiving a service request; determining a sensor based on the received service request; receiving state information from a device including the determined sensor; and selecting the device based on the received state information.