Cloud Device Management via Server-Mediated Connection Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a method to effectively manage multiple cloud-connecting devices connected to a cloud service, particularly to protect user data and privacy when devices are lost or stolen, as existing solutions do not provide comprehensive remote management and security features.

Innovation Solution

A system and method where a first cloud-connecting device can obtain and manage the connection status of other target cloud-connecting devices under the same user account by transmitting connection-managing messages to a server, allowing the server to control settings such as service types (upload-only, download-only, or browse-only) and perform operations like disconnecting, deleting data, or retrieving GPS information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple cloud-connecting devices are allowed to connect simultaneously with the same user account, then user convenience and accessibility are improved, but security risks and data privacy vulnerabilities increase when devices are lost or stolen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-device accessibilityVSAvoiddata security risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts device connection status and service permissions based on real-time conditions. The server can modify whether devices are connected and what services they can access, allowing the security posture to adapt to changing situations such as device loss or user security concerns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the server monitors device connection status and user actions, then responds by adjusting permissions and connection states. When a device is reported lost or a user logs in from a new device, the system feedbacks by revoking or modifying access rights on affected devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If comprehensive remote management capabilities are implemented across all connected devices, then security and data protection are improved, but system complexity and operational overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata protection capabilityVSAvoidsystem management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The server acts as an intermediary between users and multiple devices, centralizing management functions. Instead of requiring direct peer-to-peer management between devices, all control operations route through the server, which handles authentication, permission management, and coordination of remote operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The server implements a universal management interface that can control diverse device types (mobile phones, tablets, PCs) through standardized protocols. This multi-functional approach allows the same server infrastructure to manage various device categories without requiring device-specific management systems

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

3Reliability

If the server monitors and manages connection status of all devices in real-time, then security response capability is improved, but network bandwidth consumption and server processing load increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity response capabilityVSAvoidnetwork bandwidth consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous real-time monitoring, the system uses periodic status checks and event-triggered updates. Devices report their connection status at intervals or when state changes occur, rather than maintaining constant communication streams, reducing network overhead while maintaining security monitoring capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

Devices autonomously report their connection status and operational state to the server without requiring constant server-initiated queries. The devices self-manage their presence information and notify the server of status changes, shifting some monitoring burden from server to device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2896232B1A method, device, server, and system for managing devices
Publication Date: 2021.03.24 TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) CO LTD
  • EP2896232B1 patent drawingFigure 1~8
  • EP2896232B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2896232B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to a method, device, server, and system for managing a system. The method including: a first cloud-connectable device obtaining a connection status of a target cloud-connectable device using a same account, the first cloud-connectable device sending to the server a managing message regarding the target cloud-connectable device, the server managing the connection status of the target cloud-connectable device based on the managing message transmitted from the first cloud-connectable device. The present disclosure can facilitate effective management of multiple cloud-connectable devices capable of receiving cloud server.