Multimedia Device Identification Using Displayed Visual Identifiers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users are often confused by irregular product models and naming rules of home electronic devices, making it difficult to correctly identify multimedia devices for media content sharing.

Innovation Solution

A control device generates an identification identifier based on device description information, sends it to the multimedia device for display, and associates this identifier with the device's appearance image to enable correct identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If device description information and product models are used for identification, then device connectivity and control are enabled, but user confusion increases due to irregular naming rules

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice identificationVSAvoiduser understanding

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates visual copies (images) of the actual multimedia devices and displays them on the control device screen. Instead of relying on abstract product models and naming rules, users see visual representations that directly correspond to the physical devices, eliminating confusion between device identifiers and actual hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses color-coded indicators and visual distinctions in the displayed device images to help users differentiate between multiple multimedia devices. Different colors or visual highlights are applied to represent different device states, types, or selection statuses, making identification intuitive and immediate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple multimedia devices are connected to the network, then media sharing capabilities are enhanced, but device identification difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedia sharing capabilityVSAvoiddevice identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the identification process by displaying individual visual representations for each connected multimedia device separately on the control device screen. Each device image is distinct and can be individually selected, allowing users to identify and control specific devices even when multiple devices are connected to the network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control device acts as an intermediary that receives images from multimedia devices and presents them in a user-friendly format. The control device screen serves as a mediator between the physical multimedia devices and the user, translating device identities into visual forms that are easy to interpret and select.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUSRE50623E1Method for identifying device, and device

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 NEC CORP

AI summary

A method for identifying a device comprising generating, by a control device, an identification identifier of a multimedia device according to device description information of the multimedia device, sending the identification identifier to the multimedia device, so that the multimedia device displays the identification identifier, acquiring, by the control device, the identification identifier displayed by the multimedia device and an appearance image of the multimedia device, and acquiring the device description information according to the identification identifier displayed by the multimedia device, and associating, by the control device, the device description information with the appearance image of the multimedia device, so that a user equipment identifies the multimedia device according to the appearance image.