Cloud Server Mediator for Unrelated Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices, such as high-resolution televisions and household appliances, often require specific related controls for operation, limiting user flexibility in controlling these devices independently of their inherent or included controls.
Innovation Solution
A system and method allowing users to interact with and control unrelated devices within a cloud computing environment using a networked server, enabling users to execute requests for content delivery, operational state changes, or interactions through a widget or plug-in on a first device, with the server translating instructions for compatibility with the second device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If devices are controlled by their related controls (e.g., remote controls), then device operation is reliable and straightforward, but user flexibility and ease of controlling devices independently is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A cloud-based server acts as an intermediary between the user's device and the target device. The server receives control commands from the user's device, translates them into device-specific protocols, and forwards them to the target device. This mediator approach allows any device to control any other device without requiring direct compatibility or built-in control functionality, resolving the contradiction by adding a flexible control layer without complicating individual devices
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed with universal functionality where any device capable of network communication can serve as both the controlling device and the controlled device. The server maintains a database of device capabilities and protocols, enabling any user device to interface with any target device through standardized cloud-based translation, eliminating the need for device-specific control mechanisms
2Adaptability or versatility
If devices come with built-in or included controls, then device functionality is complete and reliable, but adaptability to control devices from different manufacturers or types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud server serves as a universal translator and intermediary that decouples the control function from the devices themselves. Instead of manufacturing controls into each device, the system uses the network as a mediator to translate commands between different device protocols, enabling any device to control any other device regardless of manufacturer or model
Solution Approach 2:
The control functionality is segmented from the devices and placed in the cloud infrastructure. Device-specific control logic is separated into the server's protocol translation layer, allowing each device to maintain its own optimized control mechanisms while the cloud layer provides universal adaptability across different device types and manufacturers
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods provide logic facilitating an interaction between a networked server and multiple, unrelated devices. In one implementation, a computer-implemented method enables a user of a device to interact with or control multiple, unrelated devices across a cloud computing environment using a networked server. The method includes receiving, at the networked server, an instruction from the control device. A corresponding instruction understandable by an unrelated controlled device is generated by the networked server, and the corresponding instruction is operable to cause the controlled device to perform the received instruction. The networked server may transmit the corresponding instruction to the controlled device.