Remote Server Object Association Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for associating communicating objects with users are complex, require specific device compatibility, and are limited by distance and the number of objects that can be paired, making them cumbersome and restrictive.

Innovation Solution

A method where a remote server manages the association between a user's identifier and a communicating object's identifier, allowing secure and centralized pairing without the need for complex user handling or specific device compatibility, enabling communication over long distances and with multiple objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional association protocols are used between terminal and objects, then device-specific pairing is achieved, but device complexity and compatibility requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassociation reliabilityVSAvoidterminal complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that manages all association relationships between users and objects. The server stores and manages association data, acting as a central mediator that eliminates the need for complex peer-to-peer pairing protocols between terminals and objects, thereby reducing terminal complexity while maintaining reliable associations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the association management function from the terminal device and relocates it to a separate server system. This separation allows the terminal to focus solely on communication tasks while the server handles the complex logic of managing multiple object associations, user authentication, and compatibility matching

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple objects are associated with a terminal using conventional methods, then object connectivity is achieved, but the number of required communication protocols and applications increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject compatibilityVSAvoidterminal complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal association system where a single terminal can associate with multiple diverse objects through a common server interface. The server provides multi-functional capabilities by managing different object types, communication protocols, and user permissions centrally, allowing one terminal to interact with numerous objects without requiring multiple dedicated applications or protocols

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

3Reliability

If association code entry is required for pairing, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassociation securityVSAvoidpairing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automatic association mechanisms where the server autonomously manages pairing processes. Instead of requiring manual code entry by users, the system automatically generates, transmits, and verifies association codes through the server, which then manages the pairing process without user intervention, thereby maintaining security while dramatically improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If control unit is used for automatic association, then pairing automation is achieved, but the range and number of associable objects is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassociation automationVSAvoidobject range
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a localized control unit model to a cloud-based server model, adding a new dimensional layer to the association architecture. By moving association management to a remote server accessible via network connections, the system eliminates distance limitations and enables association with objects anywhere in the network, vastly expanding the range and number of associable objects while maintaining automation

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

Data Source

PatentEP3241202B1Method for associating an object with a user; device; object; and corresponding computer program product
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 SIGFOX
  • EP3241202B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3241202B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for associating a communicating object (4) with at least one user. Said method includes the following: - a remote server (1) receives (C) a signal for requesting an association between an identifier of the user, namely a "user identifier," and an identifier of the object, namely an "object identifier"; - the server (1) verifies (D) an authorization for the association between the object identifier and the user identifier, including verification of whether or not there is pre-existing association of the object identifier with at least one other user identifier; and if association is authorized - associating (E) the object identifier with the user identifier in a database (2) which can be accessed by the remote server (1). Said database (2) includes at least one user identifier list and one object identifier list.