Control Point Access Right Configuration Without Dedicated Console

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing UPnP network configuration requires a dedicated console to obtain ID information of each Control Point (CP) and manage access rights, making the network construction complex and inflexible.

Innovation Solution

A method where any Control Point can send and receive Control Point Identifier (CPID) information to configure access rights, allowing any CP to act as an administrator, eliminating the need for a dedicated apparatus and simplifying the network setup by using only CPs and UPnP devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dedicated console is deployed to obtain ID information of each CP and configure access rights, then network security is ensured through centralized access right management, but the network construction becomes complex and requires at least three types of apparatuses (console, CP, and UPnP device)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork securityVSAvoidnetwork construction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the dedicated console apparatus from the network architecture and transfers its access right configuration functions directly to the UPnP devices. Each UPnP device now stores and manages access rights for CPs locally, eliminating the need for a separate console while maintaining security. This is achieved by having CPs send their ID information directly to UPnP devices, which then configure access rights without requiring a dedicated management apparatus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The UPnP devices perform self-service by autonomously managing access rights for CPs. Each device receives ID information from CPs and automatically configures access rights based on this information, without requiring external management from a dedicated console. This self-service mechanism simplifies network construction while maintaining security through decentralized access control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If a dedicated console is used to manage access rights for multiple CPs, then access rights can be configured for each CP respectively, but the network requires more apparatus types and becomes less flexible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of apparatus types
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes UPnP devices universal by giving them multiple functions: they serve both as controlled devices and as access right management systems. Each UPnP device can receive ID information from multiple CPs and configure access rights for each, eliminating the need for a dedicated console. This multi-functionality reduces the number of apparatus types required while maintaining the ability to manage multiple CPs with different access rights.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of the dedicated console and UPnP devices into a single system. The access right management functionality that previously required a separate console is now integrated directly into the UPnP devices. This merging eliminates redundant apparatus and simplifies the network architecture while preserving the capability to configure access rights for multiple CPs respectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2408140B1Method, control point, apparatus and communication system for configuring access right
Publication Date: 2017.04.19 HUAWEI DEVICE CO LTD
  • EP2408140B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2408140B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2408140B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A method for configuring access rights, a CP, a device, and a communication system are disclosed. The method includes: receiving CPID information sent by a first CP without administrator rights, wherein the CPID information comprises an ID of the first CP and/or IDs of other CPs obtained by the first CP; sending a CPID list that carries the CPID information to a second CP with administrator rights; and receiving a CP right configuration command sent by the second CP, and configuring access rights for CPs in the CPID list. In the networking process in this embodiment, it is not necessary to deploy any dedicated apparatus for configuration and management. The information about all CPs in the network can be obtained and the access rights of the CP can be configured through only two types of apparatuses (namely, CP and device), thus simplifying the networking.