Appliance Communication Network with Firewall Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of household appliances due to diverse componentry and implementation choices makes it difficult to design, develop, test, diagnose, control, and debug them, and existing internal communication networks lack interoperability and reusability.
Innovation Solution
A software architecture that enables communication across a network of interconnected nodes within appliances, allowing components to exchange messages and implement a firewall for access control, with three levels of access and password-based security, facilitating interoperability and reusability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If diverse componentry and implementation choices are used in appliances, then functionality and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of design, development, test, diagnose, control, and debug increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication network protocol that enables different components and appliances to communicate through standardized messages and commands. This allows diverse components to be integrated into a unified system architecture, maintaining adaptability while reducing complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses configurable parameters and software elements that can be adjusted to accommodate different implementation choices and component types. This allows the same basic architecture to adapt to various functionalities without requiring complex custom designs for each configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If diverse componentry and implementation choices are used in appliances, then functionality and adaptability are improved, but ease of manufacture and reusability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The universal communication network enables components to be manufactured with standardized interfaces and protocols, making them reusable across different appliance models and configurations. This reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining adaptability through the standardized framework.
3Reliability
If password-based security and firewall access control are implemented, then system security is improved, but ease of operation and communication complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes security credentials and firewall rules in advance during system initialization or component registration. This preliminary setup automates the security configuration process, reducing the operational burden on users while maintaining strong security controls.
Solution Approach 2:
Components automatically manage their own security credentials and access permissions through the communication network. The system self-configures firewalls and authentication mechanisms without requiring manual intervention, maintaining security while simplifying operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance has a communication network with a plurality of nodes for executing commands to enable operation by components. A firewall is provided to restrict access to the commands by the nodes without a password.