Relay Device for Cross-Network Function Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Communication between devices through heterogeneous networks is inconvenient due to limitations in installing all functions in portable devices, making it difficult to share functions across different network types.

Innovation Solution

A system that enables function sharing between devices through a relay device connected to multiple networks, allowing devices to detect and interwork with external devices across various networks, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and broadband Internet, by using an external device detection controller, interworking controller, and function usage controller.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If all functions are installed in portable electronic devices, then device functionality is improved, but device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that hosts external devices and their functions. Portable electronic devices can access these functions through the server without having the functions installed locally, thus maintaining device portability while expanding functionality through network access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The server is designed to universally support multiple external devices and multiple types of portable electronic devices. It provides a platform where various functions from different external devices can be accessed by different portable devices through a standardized interface, enabling multi-functionality without increasing individual device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If devices communicate through heterogeneous networks, then network coverage is improved, but communication compatibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidcommunication compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The server acts as a mediator between devices on heterogeneous networks. It receives requests from portable electronic devices, translates them into appropriate protocols for the target external devices, and relays the interactions. This intermediary approach enables communication across different network types while maintaining compatibility through standardized server interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of moving object

If portable electronic devices are miniaturized, then portability is improved, but installed function quantity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidinstalled function quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The server serves as an external repository for device functions. Portable electronic devices maintain minimal local functionality for portability, while accessing additional functions from external devices through the server intermediary. This allows miniaturization without sacrificing function quantity, as functions are accessed remotely rather than stored locally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3675595B1Method and apparatus for sharing function of external device through complex network
Publication Date: 2022.03.16 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3675595B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3675595B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP3675595B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5B

AI summary

A method is disclosed comprising: establishing, at a second device (425), a connection to a first device (410) through a first network (420); detecting, at the second device (425), at least one device connected to the first device (410) through a second network (430) which is different from the first network (420); selecting, at the second device (425), a third device (435) from among the at least one device; selecting, at the second device (425), a function of the third device (435); and transmitting, at the second device (425), a request to the third device (435) through the first device (410), wherein the request requesting the third device (435) to perform the selected function of the third device.