Cloud-Based IoT Device Configuration Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current information handling systems struggle to configure and manage heterogeneous IoT devices across different platforms, especially those that use local wireless communication protocols, as existing solutions do not support multiple configurations for non-standardized devices in large-scale IT networks.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based system that registers and manages device configurations for heterogeneous IoT devices using a centralized management tool, allowing devices to communicate via various protocols, and enables device grouping for batch configuration updates, using a schema to standardize settings across devices with similar functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual configuration is performed for each heterogeneous device individually, then device configuration can be completed, but the time and effort required increases significantly when managing multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual device configuration operations into a single batch configuration operation. The system allows users to select multiple heterogeneous devices and apply configuration settings to all selected devices simultaneously, consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate manual configuration processes into one unified operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements pre-population of configuration settings based on device type or group characteristics. When configuring devices, the system automatically fills in common configuration parameters based on previously stored templates or similar device configurations, reducing the manual input required and accelerating the configuration process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing IoT messaging protocols are used to support specific platforms, then those platforms can be integrated, but heterogeneous devices using different communication protocols cannot be managed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-based configuration management system as an intermediary between heterogeneous devices and the user. This intermediary translates and manages configurations across multiple communication protocols and platforms, allowing devices using different protocols (Wifi, ZigBee, Bluetooth, NFC, etc.) to be managed through a unified interface without requiring direct integration between each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal configuration management system that can handle multiple device types, communication protocols, and platforms through a single unified interface. The system is designed to work with heterogeneous devices regardless of their specific protocol or platform, providing multi-functional capability that accommodates device diversity.
3Reliability
If device configurations are stored locally on each device, then device settings can be maintained, but configurations are lost after hard reset and cannot be centrally managed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a cloud-based configuration storage system that continuously synchronizes device configurations. When configurations are updated, the system provides feedback by storing them centrally and enabling recovery after hard resets. The cloud system acts as a backup and restoration mechanism, ensuring configuration persistence independent of local device state.
4Adaptability or versatility
If each device is configured independently with unique settings, then device-specific functionality is optimized, but maintaining consistency across multiple devices becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments configuration management into two levels: group-level common settings and device-level specific settings. Users can define configuration templates at the group level that apply to multiple devices, ensuring consistency, while still allowing individual device customization where needed. This segmentation enables both standardization and flexibility simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides for information handling systems and methods to configure and manage any number of heterogeneous devices. In various embodiments, a shared device configuration is simultaneously applied to a selected group of otherwise incompatible heterogeneous devices that may use different communication protocols and operating systems. Certain embodiments create and maintain a database of configuration and operational information that is accessible across platforms. A group device configuration may be automatically applied to all devices in the selected group via a batch command. Some embodiments allow independent heterogeneous devices that have similar functionality to have different device configuration settings.