Centralized Access Control Server for Multi-Device Usage Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access control systems for electronic devices lack synchronization across multiple devices, require burdensome reconfiguration for changes, and often implement 'all or nothing' restrictions, which are not flexible enough for varying usage scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A centralized access control system that includes a control server with a reception interface, data store, processor, and transmission interface to manage usage rules across multiple electronic devices, allowing for time-based, resource-based, and total usage restrictions, enabling flexible control and monitoring with a user-friendly interface for administrators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If access control systems are implemented on multiple electronic devices, then device control capability is improved, but system synchronization and configuration consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple access control systems into a single centralized system that manages control across multiple electronic devices. The centralized server consolidates configuration management, usage monitoring, and access control functions, eliminating the need for separate control systems on each device while maintaining comprehensive device control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized access control server provides universal control functionality that applies across different types of electronic devices (televisions, gaming devices, computers, etc.). The system uses a unified account-based architecture that works consistently across all devices, simplifying configuration while maintaining versatile device control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If access control settings are modified frequently, then usage flexibility is improved, but configuration time and operational burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic access control rules that can be modified in real-time without requiring system reconfiguration. Administrators can update usage limits, time restrictions, and access permissions through the centralized server, and these changes are automatically applied across all devices. This dynamic approach enables frequent adjustments for varying usage scenarios without operational burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized system automatically applies access control rules across all connected devices without requiring manual configuration on each device. When administrators modify settings through the centralized server, the system self-propagates these changes to all devices, eliminating repetitive configuration tasks and reducing operational time.
3Reliability
If internet access is blocked for a user, then security control is improved, but legitimate application usage (backup, updates) is also blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The access control system segments internet access control into different categories or application types. Instead of a blanket block, the system can selectively restrict specific applications or websites while allowing others. This segmentation enables security control to be applied selectively, permitting legitimate applications like backup and system updates to function while blocking inappropriate content.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different access control qualities or restrictions to different applications or content types. By analyzing the nature of each application request, the system can allow certain legitimate uses (educational, productivity-related) while restricting others (entertainment, social media), thereby maintaining security control without completely blocking necessary functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A system (100) for providing access control and usage monitoring of a plurality of electronic devices or applications (110a-h) enables efficient access control. The system (100) includes a control server (105) having: a reception interface, for receiving usage information relating to an account and a request to use the account, wherein each request includes an account identifier, and the account is associated with one or more of the plurality of electronic devices or applications (110a-h) and at least one user; a data store, including a first set of usage rules for the account and a second set of usage rules for a second account; a processor and memory including program code, for: determining, using the rules stored on the data store associated with the account identifier in combination with the usage information, an outcome of the request; and a transmission interface, for communicating the outcome of the request, wherein the outcome is for controlling access to one or more of the plurality of electronic devices or applications (110a-h) by the at least one user.