Mobile Controller Tag Reader Access Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for remotely controlling controllable devices, such as smart light bulbs, are not well-suited for individual user control and do not effectively manage access conflicts between multiple users.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a mobile controller with a tag reader and an access control module that uses a first wireless channel for connecting to an electronic tag and a second wireless channel to send digital commands to the controllable device, with access control based on a control period starting upon connection and terminating when a control release condition is met, such as location or time parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a smart light bulb with receiver and processor is used for remote control, then the device can respond to control signals from external devices, but the system is not well suited for control by individual users and cannot effectively manage access conflicts between multiple users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser control capabilityVSAvoidaccess control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an electronic tag as an intermediary device that mediates between the mobile controller and the controllable device. The tag stores identification information and control parameters, acting as a physical key that enables or disables control access. This intermediary resolves the contradiction by providing a simple proximity-based access mechanism without requiring complex authentication systems in the controllable device itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing control authorization information in the electronic tag before the control operation occurs. The tag contains identification information and control parameters that are read in advance when the mobile controller approaches the controllable device. This eliminates the need for real-time complex authentication, enabling individual user control while maintaining simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple users can control the same controllable device, then user flexibility is improved, but access conflicts between users cannot be effectively resolved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-user controlVSAvoidaccess conflict resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control access by making the control period adjustable and configurable. The electronic tag stores a control period parameter that determines how long a user maintains control after proximity detection. This dynamic timing mechanism resolves access conflicts automatically - when a new user approaches, the system can extend or reset the control period, ensuring that control transitions are smooth and conflicts are resolved without requiring complex user negotiation or arbitration protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If control is allowed from any location, then user convenience is improved, but users not in close proximity can issue control commands which is often not desired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidunauthorized control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making control authorization location-dependent through the electronic tag's proximity detection capability. The system reads identification information from the tag only when the mobile controller is in close proximity to the controllable device. This creates a localized control zone around each device, ensuring that only users physically near the device can control it, while still allowing remote operation within that zone. The control parameters stored in the tag can be customized for different locations and devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3042544B1System for remotely controlling a controllable device
Publication Date: 2021.01.13 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP3042544B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3042544B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3042544B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

A system (100, 102) for remotely controlling a controllable device (110), the controllable device comprising a receiver (112) configured to receive a digital command, the controllable device being configured to modify an aspect of the controllable device in response to receiving the digital command, a mobile controller (120), the mobile controller comprising a tag reader (122) configured to connect directly to an electronic tag over a first wireless channel (152) and to receive information from the tag identifying the controllable device (110), and a sender (124) configured to wirelessly send the digital command to the controllable device over a second wireless channel (154) using the information identifying the controllable device, and an access control module (130) configured to selectively allow or block the mobile controller to control the controllable device through the digital command, the access control module being configured to allow the mobile controller to control the controllable device within a control period, the control period starting upon the tag reader wirelessly connecting to the electronic tag and terminating when a control release condition is satisfied.