Cross-Device Function Invocation for Single-Device Task Completion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inter-device linkage technologies are limited to interface convergence and file transfer, restricting users from efficiently utilizing the capabilities of multiple devices for complex tasks on a single device, leading to inconvenience.

Innovation Solution

A method for invoking capabilities of another device by requesting and processing content using functions from a second electronic device, enabling seamless integration and extension of capabilities on a first electronic device, such as text editing, translation, and object recognition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single device is used to complete tasks, then device simplicity is maintained, but task completion capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetask completion capabilityVSAvoiddevice capability structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the capabilities of multiple electronic devices into a unified system where a first electronic device can invoke functions from a second electronic device. The capability invocation module enables the first device to access and utilize functions from the second device, effectively merging their capabilities into a single operational unit that can complete complex tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The first electronic device is designed with universal capability invocation functionality that allows it to perform not only its native functions but also functions from other devices. The capability invocation module enables the device to dynamically access and execute various functions from connected devices, making it a multi-functional platform.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing inter-device linkage technologies are used, then basic connectivity is achieved, but capability sharing is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability sharingVSAvoiduser operation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic capability matching and invocation without requiring complex user configuration. The capability invocation module automatically identifies available functions from connected devices and enables their use by the first device, reducing the operational burden on users while expanding capability sharing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The capability invocation module acts as an intermediary between the first electronic device and the second electronic device, facilitating seamless function sharing. It manages the communication and coordination between devices, enabling capability sharing without requiring users to manually configure complex inter-device linkages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If device capabilities are extended through networking, then functional versatility improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system architecture is segmented into distinct functional modules: the capability invocation module in the first device and the corresponding function execution module in the second device. This segmentation allows each device to maintain its own operational simplicity while the system as a whole achieves extended functionality through modular interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4187876B1Invoking capabilities of other devices, electronic device, and system
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4187876B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4187876B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4187876B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)

AI summary

This application provides a method for invoking a capability of another device, an electronic device, and a system. The method includes: A source end device requests capability information of a sink end device. The sink end device sends the capability information to the source end device. The source end device sends first content and first request information to the sink end device when detecting a first operation of a user, where the first request information is used to request the sink end device to process the first content by using a first function. The sink end device processes the first content based on the first request information by using the first function, and sends a processing result of the first content to the source end device. The source end device prompts the user with the processing result. In embodiments of this application, the user can use a function of another device on one device. This improves a degree of intelligence of the electronic device, and improves user experience.