Smart Home Device Binding via Server Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the Apple HomeKit ecosystem, if a device identifier is lost or erroneous during the production process of smart home appliances, consumers cannot join the HomeKit ecosystem, leading to high after-sales complaint rates and costs, requiring door-to-door service from engineers.
Innovation Solution
A device binding method where a first application program executing a first protocol queries a target device for its first device identifier in a second protocol, allowing a second application program to bind a login account to the target device, thereby reducing after-sales complaints and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a unique setup code or QR code is used for each device in the HomeKit ecosystem, then device security and protocol compliance are improved, but the consequence is that if the code is lost or erroneous, door-to-door service is required, increasing after-sales cost and complaint rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the electronic device and the target device. The server stores the binding relationship between device identifiers and account identifiers. When a device identifier is lost or erroneous, the system can query the server to retrieve the correct identifier or establish a new binding, eliminating the need for door-to-door service while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the binding relationship information stored on the server. Instead of relying solely on the physical device identifier stored locally on the target device, the system maintains a replicated copy of this information on the server, allowing for recovery and verification without physical access to the device.
2Reliability
If door-to-door service is provided for device identifier issues, then device binding reliability is improved, but after-sales cost and service time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to perform device binding and identifier recovery operations themselves through the first application program. The system provides self-service functionality where users can query device identifiers, establish bindings, and resolve issues without requiring technical personnel to visit their location, significantly reducing service time and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as a mediator that enables remote resolution of device binding issues. By storing binding relationships and providing query interfaces, the server allows users to resolve identifier problems remotely through network communication, eliminating the need for time-consuming door-to-door service.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple application programs execute different protocols on the same electronic device, then protocol compatibility and device versatility are improved, but the complexity of managing different device identifiers across protocols is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal binding management mechanism that works across multiple protocols. The server provides a protocol-agnostic binding service that can handle different device identifier formats and protocols (such as HomeKit and other protocols) through a unified interface, allowing the same electronic device to manage multiple protocols without increasing complexity for the user.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application relates to the technical field of smart appliances, and provides a device binding method and apparatus, and an electronic device. The method comprises: a first application executing a first protocol sends a query instruction to a target device; the first application receives a first device identifier sent by the target device; the first application provides the first device identifier, so that a second application executing a second protocol binds the logon account of the second application to the target device according to the first device identifier; when the first device identifier is missing or an error occurs to the first device identifier in the second protocol, the first device identifier is queried by the first application executing the first protocol from the target device, so that the second application can bind the logon account to the target device on the basis of the obtained first device identifier. The after-sales complaint rate and the after-sales cost are reduced, the convenience is improved, and the technical problem of high complaint rate and high after-sales cost when the first device identifier is missing or an error occurs to the first device identifier in the prior art is solved.