Centralized Server for Secure Configuration Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing controlling devices and editor programs lack a secure and managed method for configuring and distributing user interface configurations across multiple devices, leading to insecure data exchange and targeted distribution challenges.
Innovation Solution
An editor program that allows users to create, modify, and upload graphical user interface configurations to a controlling device via a centrally located configuration distribution system, enabling secure management and sharing of configurations across compatible devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a PC-based editor program is used to configure and transfer user interface configurations to controlling devices, then configuration creation and modification capability is improved, but secure and managed data distribution across multiple devices becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized server as an intermediary between multiple controlling devices and the PC-based editor program. The server receives configuration data from devices, stores it securely, and enables retrieval and modification through the editor program. This mediator architecture ensures secure and managed data distribution while maintaining ease of configuration creation and modification capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If user interface configurations are stored on individual controlling devices, then device independence is maintained, but sharing and retrieval of configurations across multiple devices becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized server provides universal access to configuration data across multiple controlling devices. Any device can upload its configuration to the server and retrieve configurations from any other device, creating a universal sharing platform. This multi-functional approach maintains device independence while simplifying the sharing and retrieval process through a single centralized interface.
3Device complexity
If configuration data is transferred directly between devices without a central system, then system simplicity is maintained, but security and controlled distribution are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized server acts as a secure intermediary that all configuration transfers must pass through. This mediator provides controlled distribution by validating requests, authenticating users, and managing access rights. The architecture maintains relative simplicity by using standard server protocols while eliminating insecure direct device-to-device transfers.
Data Source
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Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A configurable controlling device (100) and associated editor program that allows a consumer to modify on a personal computer for downloading to the controlling device configuration data which is used to cause the controlling device to perform a function, such as to transmit a command to an appliance, to change the user interface page being displayed, etc. A central server (302) facility is provided through which the managed exchange of configuration data between the editor program and remotely-located controlling devices may be performed,