External Apparatus Control via Server-Based Intention Interpretation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices face challenges in effectively controlling external apparatuses connected to them, as they struggle to accurately interpret and reflect a user's intentions due to limitations in natural language analysis and integration with various devices.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that involve a device and a server working together to receive user input, determine user intentions, and generate control information to operate connected external apparatuses, using natural language processing and condition-based control commands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a device uses basic natural language analysis to interpret user input, then the device can operate according to simple user intentions, but it cannot accurately reflect various true intentions of a user when controlling external apparatuses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of user intention interpretationVSAvoidability to control various external apparatuses
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the device and external apparatuses. The server receives user input information from the device, determines the user's true intention by analyzing multiple factors, and generates appropriate control information for external apparatuses. This intermediary resolves the contradiction by centralizing the complex intention analysis function, allowing the device to maintain simplicity while achieving accurate control of diverse external apparatuses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a new dimension of intention determination by analyzing not only the literal user input but also contextual factors such as current device state, user profile, and environmental conditions. This multi-dimensional analysis approach enables more accurate interpretation of user intentions while maintaining compatibility with various external apparatuses through standardized control protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a device attempts to control multiple external apparatuses with different functionalities, then the system becomes more versatile, but the complexity of determining and executing control commands increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of controllable external apparatusesVSAvoidcomplexity of control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The server acts as a mediator that handles the complexity of controlling multiple external apparatuses with different functionalities. It receives standardized user input, determines intentions, and generates device-specific control commands for each external apparatus. This approach allows the system to support diverse apparatuses without increasing the complexity of individual devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal control framework where the server provides multi-functional capabilities for determining user intentions and generating control commands for various external apparatuses. This universal approach allows a single device to control multiple types of apparatuses (televisions, audio equipment, lighting, etc.) without requiring device-specific implementations, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

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

3Measurement precision

If a device uses advanced natural language processing to accurately determine user intentions, then control precision improves, but the processing time and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of intention determinationVSAvoidtime for processing user input
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining user profiles, device states, and contextual information in advance. When a user provides input, the server can quickly determine intentions by referencing pre-prepared data rather than analyzing everything from scratch. This reduces processing time while maintaining high accuracy in intention determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the server continuously learns from user interactions and refines its intention determination algorithms. By analyzing patterns in user behavior and feedback from control outcomes, the system improves accuracy over time while optimizing processing efficiency, thereby reducing the time required for intention determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2706418B1Method and device for controlling an external apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2706418B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2706418B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2706418B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of controlling an external apparatus connected with a device includes: providing user input information used to determine a user's intention; identifying an external apparatus controllable by a device; providing apparatus information of the identified external apparatus; receiving control information about the external apparatus, which is generated based on the based on the user's intention and the apparatus information; and transmitting a control command to the external apparatus which is generated based on the received control information.