Phone Number-Based External Device Control via Server Intermediation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face difficulties in controlling external devices over a network, requiring special equipment or complex connections that are hard to access.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device and server system that allows for controlling external devices by transmitting an identification number to a server, receiving an identifier for accessing the device, and sending control commands once authentication is complete, using a mobile network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If special equipment or complex connection methods are used to control external devices, then control reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol reliabilityVSAvoidconnection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that mediates between the electronic device and external devices. The server stores identification information and facilitates connection by providing access identifiers, eliminating the need for direct complex connections between electronic devices and external devices while maintaining control reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the electronic device (user interface), the server (management and coordination), and external devices (controlled entities). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable control through the coordinated interaction of segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If special equipment or complex connection methods are used to control external devices, then control reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol reliabilityVSAvoidaccess ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The server acts as an intermediary that simplifies the user interaction process. Users only need to input identification information (such as phone numbers) into the electronic device, and the server handles the complex authentication and connection establishment, making the operation simple while maintaining reliable control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The server automatically performs authentication and connection establishment based on the identification information provided by the user. The system self-services by retrieving access identifiers from its database and initiating connections without requiring users to manually configure complex parameters, thereby improving ease of operation while ensuring reliable control through automated authentication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3487201B1Electronic device for controlling an external device using a number and method thereof
Publication Date: 2020.03.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3487201B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3487201B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3487201B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An electronic device and method for controlling an external device using a number are provided. The electronic device includes a processor configured to transmit an input number to a server over a mobile network, in response to a connection being input, receive an identifier of the external device, which is issued by the server, send a connection request to the external device over the mobile network using the received identifier of the external device, and control the external device by sending a control command to the external device, in response to receiving an indication regarding completion of access authentication from the external device, and a communication interface configured to perform communication with the external device and the server.