Smart Socket Device Identification via Power Consumption Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of smart sockets often mistakenly control the wrong electronic device due to a lack of knowledge about the type of device connected to the socket, as existing technologies lack accurate identification methods.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize a built-in electrical power meter in smart sockets to measure and analyze power consumption patterns, identifying the type of electronic device based on stability parameters and corresponding tables, and outputting this information for user confirmation and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If smart sockets are used to control electronic devices remotely, then user convenience is improved, but users may control the wrong device due to lack of device type information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control convenienceVSAvoiddevice type information
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects power consumption parameters from the connected electronic device and feeds back the device type information to the user through a control device. This feedback mechanism resolves the information loss by providing real-time device identification without requiring manual user input, thus maintaining ease of operation while eliminating the risk of controlling the wrong device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The smart socket system performs self-identification of connected devices by automatically measuring power consumption parameters and determining device types without user intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously gathering device information and presenting it to the user, eliminating the need for users to manually identify or configure device types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If device identification methods are added to smart sockets, then device type information is provided, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice type informationVSAvoidsmart socket system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex manual device identification methods with automated electrical parameter measurement. Instead of requiring users to physically inspect or configure device types, the system uses the built-in power meter to automatically measure power consumption parameters and electronically determine device types, simplifying the overall system while providing complete device information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The smart socket system uses its built-in power meter, which is already necessary for power monitoring and control functions, to additionally perform device identification. By making the power meter serve multiple purposes (both power measurement and device type identification), the system avoids adding separate identification hardware, thus reducing complexity while providing device type information.

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

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enables accurate identification of electronic devices connected to smart sockets, preventing mistaken control and improving user experience by providing clear correspondence between the socket and device type, thus enhancing operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the smart socket has a built-in electrical power meter used to measure power usage of the target electronic device plugged into the smart socket

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical measurement: Ohmmeter

Data Source

PatentEP3174251B1Method and apparatus for identifying type of electronic device on smart socket
Publication Date: 2019.07.17 XIAOMI INC
  • EP3174251B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3174251B1 patent drawingFigure 1C
  • EP3174251B1 patent drawingFigure 1D~1E

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for identifying a type of an electronic device on a smart socket, a computer program and a recording medium. The method comprises: obtaining (101) a target power-on state parameter of a target electronic device connected to the smart socket and in a power-on state; identifying (102) a target type of the target electronic device based on the target power-on state parameter; and outputting (103) the target type. The present invention allows obtaining a correspondence between the smart socket and the target type. A user can control the smart socket connected with the target electronic device based on the correspondence, so as to avoid controlling a socket corresponding to another electronic device by mistake due to lack of knowledge about the correspondence between the target electronic device and the smart socket.