Cloud Controller for Unified Device Access and Data Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cloud computing networks lack efficient management of access and sharing of data across devices, especially for large volumes of sensitive data, and do not provide seamless, secure, and fine-grained access controls, leading to difficulties in archiving and accessing unstructured data like videos, photos, and documents from various devices.

Innovation Solution

A cloud controller system that manages access by authenticating devices, allowing secure sharing of data and services with fine-grained access controls, enabling users to create a virtual cloud for centralized access and management of all data and services, with features like global searches, data caching, and easy sharing mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If devices connect directly to cloud networks using multiple interfaces (browser, VPN, peer-to-peer software), then access flexibility is improved, but security management and access control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess flexibilityVSAvoidaccess control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal cloud controller that serves multiple functions: authentication, authorization, data routing, and security management. This single multi-functional device replaces the need for separate management systems for different access methods (browser, VPN, peer-to-peer), simplifying access control while maintaining flexibility across diverse device types and access protocols.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The cloud controller acts as an intermediary between joining devices and the cloud network. It mediates all access requests by authenticating devices, granting appropriate permissions, and routing data flows. This intermediary approach centralizes security management while allowing devices to connect through various interfaces without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the cloud controller manages authentication and access for all devices, then security is improved, but processing time and system overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cloud controller performs preliminary authentication and authorization actions when devices first join the network. By pre-establishing security credentials, access permissions, and data routing paths during the joining process, the system avoids repeated authentication overhead for subsequent data transfers, reducing processing time while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates copies of authentication tokens and access credentials after initial verification. These credential copies are stored locally at devices and reused for subsequent access requests, eliminating the need for repeated full authentication cycles and reducing processing time while maintaining security integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If the system provides fine-grained access controls for data sharing, then security and precision are improved, but device complexity and configuration difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control precisionVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cloud controller dynamically adjusts access permissions based on real-time conditions such as user roles, data sensitivity levels, and device trust credentials. Rather than requiring static complex configurations, the system automatically adapts access controls to match the specific context of each data sharing request, providing fine-grained security without burdening users with complex setup procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables devices to self-register and self-configure by automatically generating authentication credentials and establishing access permissions based on pre-defined policies. Devices autonomously join the network and receive appropriate access rights without manual configuration, simplifying the user experience while maintaining precise access control through automated policy enforcement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9516003B2Unified cloud computing network interface
Publication Date: 2016.12.06 PHILIPS NORTH AMERICA LLC
  • US9516003B2 patent drawing
  • US9516003B2 patent drawing
  • US9516003B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A cloud computing network device is disclosed. The device is configured to receive a request from a joining device for access to the cloud computing network, and in response to the request, authenticate the joining device according to an authentication protocol. The device is also configured to receive from the joining device an indication of one or more items local to the joining device to be made available to other devices on the cloud computing network, and in response to the indication, provide information identifying items to the other devices on the cloud computing network.