Mobile Device Linking via Identification Code Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing protocols for linking mobile computing devices to other networks or hardware devices are often complex and not user-friendly, requiring access through websites, codes, or technical support for permission to establish communications.

Innovation Solution

A mobile computing device can be linked to a hardware device and its associated network by registering with the network using identification information obtained through methods like bar code capture, infrared, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or RFID, allowing operational control and access to account information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing protocols are used to link mobile computing devices to networks or hardware devices, then communication and control can be established, but the process becomes complex and not user-friendly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser-friendliness of linking processVSAvoidcomplexity of linking protocol
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a linking code as an intermediary element that simplifies the connection process. Instead of requiring users to manually configure network settings or enter complex authentication details, the linking code serves as a mediator that encapsulates all necessary connection information. The mobile device scans or reads this code, and the system automatically establishes the connection, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and protocol complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a digital representation (linking code) that copies or encodes the essential connection information in a simplified format. Rather than requiring users to understand and input complex network parameters, the linking code provides a copied, condensed version of the connection credentials that can be easily scanned or read, making the linking process user-friendly while maintaining secure communication establishment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If users access accounts through websites via Internet connection to link devices, then network connectivity is established, but the process requires multiple steps and third-party network communication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of device linkingVSAvoidtime required for linking process
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-generating linking codes that contain all necessary connection information before the actual linking process. The linking code is prepared in advance with embedded network credentials and authentication data, so when a user scans or reads the code, the connection can be established immediately without requiring real-time website access or multiple communication steps, thereby reducing time loss and improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential connection information from the complex network authentication process and isolates it into a standalone linking code. This extracted code can be processed locally by the mobile device without requiring continuous Internet connectivity or third-party network communication during the linking moment, thus speeding up the process and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If users call technical support to establish communications between networks, then proper permissions are obtained, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires external intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of permission establishmentVSAvoidtime for permission establishment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically establish permissions and connections without requiring technical support intervention. The linking code contains pre-configured authentication credentials that allow the mobile device to autonomously negotiate and establish secure communication with the target device or network, maintaining reliability through automated authentication while eliminating time loss associated with calling technical support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-configuring authentication credentials and permission settings within the linking code before deployment. This allows the system to automatically handle permission establishment during the linking process without requiring real-time technical support intervention, thereby maintaining accurate permission setup while dramatically reducing the time required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary 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

This solution simplifies the process of linking mobile devices to hardware devices and networks, enabling users to control and manage settings and account information directly from their mobile device, enhancing user convenience and control.

Implementation Method 1

the subject piece of hardware may transmit identification information to the mobile computing device via infrared communication

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared communication: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

the subject piece of hardware may transmit identification information to the mobile computing device via Bluetooth communication

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBluetooth communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

the subject piece of hardware may transmit identification information to the mobile computing device via Wi-Fi communication

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWi-Fi communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 4

the subject piece of hardware may transmit identification information to the mobile computing device via Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) communication

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRFID communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10250934B2Mobile to set-top box linking
Publication Date: 2019.04.02 COX COMMUNICATIONS INC
  • US10250934B2 patent drawing
  • US10250934B2 patent drawing
  • US10250934B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Allowing a user of a mobile computing device to link the mobile computing device and its associated network or system to a subject piece of hardware operating via a second network or system is provided. After the mobile computing device is linked to a given hardware device, functional operation of the hardware device and access to accounts associated with the hardware device may be provided to the linked mobile computing device.