Local UI Delegation via Proximity Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices without screens or connected to communication networks face challenges in data access and control, as current methods require network connectivity and discovery steps, which can be cumbersome and unnecessary.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows a mobile terminal to locally deport a user interface to an electronic device by establishing a point-to-point communication session using proximity-based technologies like NFC, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for network connectivity and simplifying data access through proximity detection and user gesture validation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If network connectivity is used for device control and data access, then remote access capability is improved, but device complexity and operational simplicity deteriorate due to required discovery steps and network configuration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidnetwork configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the user interface functionality from the electronic device itself and relocates it to a mobile terminal. This allows the device to be controlled and monitored without requiring network infrastructure or complex discovery protocols, as the mobile terminal directly communicates with the device through simplified local mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile terminal acts as an intermediary between the user and the electronic device. It hosts the user interface application and manages the communication session, eliminating the need for complex network discovery steps while maintaining ease of operation. The terminal mediates all interactions, simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If user interface is transmitted to mobile terminal, then remote control capability is improved, but data privacy and security worsen due to potential unauthorized access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoiddata privacy and security
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements proximity detection before establishing any communication session or transmitting user interface data. The electronic device detects whether the mobile terminal is within a predetermined distance range, and only after this proximity confirmation does it proceed to create a communication session. This preliminary action ensures that only physically near devices can access the electronic device, enhancing security while maintaining remote control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If continuous interface transmission is enabled, then user experience is improved, but energy consumption and network usage worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser experienceVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous interface transmission, the patent implements event-driven updates where the user interface is refreshed only when relevant data changes occur. The system maintains a communication session that allows for periodic and on-demand data synchronization, reducing unnecessary energy consumption while preserving a responsive user experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enables secure, efficient, and user-friendly control of electronic devices without network connectivity, ensuring data privacy and adaptability to device capabilities, while eliminating unnecessary interface transmission.

Implementation Method 1

when the terminal enters the device's range, meaning as soon as the device can properly receive the signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3357201B1Method for local control of an electronic device
Publication Date: 2022.09.07 ORANGE SA
  • EP3357201B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3357201B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for local management of a device that is capable of communicating with at least one terminal that is capable of processing and returning user interface data (IHM) of the device, the method comprising the following steps on the device: - positioning (E10) the device in receiving mode on a first radio link; - detecting (E11) the entry of said at least one terminal into the range of the device on said first radio link; - preparing (E15) the user interface data (IHM) of the device to be transmitted to said terminal detected within the range of the device; - transmitting (E16) said user interface data (IHM) to said terminal.