Server-Mediated Device Association Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies are inadequate for managing association operations between electronic devices without limitations, particularly between specific devices like digital cameras and smartphones.

Innovation Solution

An information processing system that includes an interface to receive authentication information from electronic devices, identifies the execution range of an association operation program based on this information, and communicates with devices to manage and execute association operations between them.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If association operations are managed through processes within devices according to pre-incorporated programs, then device association functionality is achieved, but traceability and executability of association operations cannot be determined later

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice association functionalityVSAvoidtraceability of association operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that manages association operations between electronic devices. The server receives execution results from devices, stores them in a database, and provides traceability. This mediator resolves the contradiction by enabling both device association functionality and post-event traceability without requiring changes to the core device association programs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a copy of the association operation execution results and stores them on the server. Instead of modifying the original device processes, the system copies the essential information (execution results, device identifiers, timestamps) to an external storage system, enabling traceability while preserving the original device functionality unchanged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If a server manages association operations for specific devices like digital cameras, then billing and service execution are enabled, but association operations between other device types like smartphones cannot be managed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice execution efficiencyVSAvoiddevice type compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the server system with universal functionality to manage association operations across multiple device types. The server uses generic data structures and processing logic that can handle different device categories (digital cameras, smartphones, tablets, etc.), enabling the same system to provide billing and service execution for diverse devices without requiring device-specific implementations.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the device identification and handling into modular components that can process different device types independently. The system divides the association management into standardized steps (device identification, authentication, execution result collection, billing) that can be applied universally across different device categories while maintaining flexibility for device-specific variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If association operation programs are executed by electronic devices autonomously, then device independence is maintained, but centralized management and control of association operations cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice autonomyVSAvoidcentralized management structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary actions by having devices register their capabilities and receive execution result transmission instructions before actually performing association operations. The server pre-configures the data collection framework and establishes communication channels in advance, so that when association operations occur, the devices can autonomously execute while the management infrastructure is already in place to collect and manage results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3031003B1Electronic device, server, electronic device controlling method, information processing method and recording medium
Publication Date: 2024.12.18 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3031003B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3031003B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3031003B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information processing device includes an interface configured to receive authentication information from an electronic device. The device also includes circuitry configured to identify an execution range of an association operation program executed by the electronic device, the execution range being indicative of an authentication of an association between the electronic device and another electronic device.