Remote Network Device Control via Image-Based Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current home network technologies lack efficient methods for remote control and management of digital devices without requiring direct access or high security authentication, limiting user convenience and accessibility.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for remotely controlling networked devices by transmitting control requests, receiving and displaying identifiers, and selectively controlling devices based on user inputs, using a control device and external device communication, which may include image representation and user interface mapping for command execution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If direct access and high security authentication are required for remote device control, then device security is improved, but user convenience and accessibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice securityVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses image representations (visual copies) of controlled devices displayed on the external device screen. Instead of requiring direct access to physical devices or complex authentication, the system creates visual replicas of devices that can be selected and controlled remotely. The external device captures images of controlled devices and displays them as selectable icons, allowing users to control devices through these image representations without physical presence or complex security protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If direct physical access to devices is required for control, then control precision is improved, but remote accessibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidremote accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an external device as an intermediary between the user and the controlled devices. The external device captures images of controlled devices, displays them on its screen, and transmits control commands back to the controlled devices. This intermediary system allows users to control devices remotely without direct physical access, while maintaining control precision through the image-based selection and command transmission mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If complex authentication protocols are implemented for remote control, then security is improved, but system complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service authentication through image recognition and selection. Instead of requiring users to go through complex authentication protocols, the external device automatically captures images of controlled devices, displays them for selection, and establishes control based on the user's visual selection. The system serves itself by automatically managing the authentication and control establishment process through the image-based interface, reducing both security vulnerabilities and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9417792B2Method and apparatus for controlling controlled device included in network
Publication Date: 2016.08.16 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US9417792B2 patent drawing
  • US9417792B2 patent drawing
  • US9417792B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of controlling at least one controlled device at an external device outside a network including a control device and the controlled device is provided. The method includes transmitting a message accepting a control request requesting to control the controlled device in a session established with the control device; receiving and displaying an identifier for identifying the controlled device; and selectively controlling the controlled device via the control device based on an input generated using the displayed identifier.