Coordinator System for Local Device Management via MQTT

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing messaging protocols face challenges in efficiently managing and securing data transmission between computing devices, particularly for embedded devices with limited user interfaces, due to latency and privacy concerns when using remote management over public or separate networks.

Innovation Solution

A coordinator system that utilizes a messaging protocol like MQTT to facilitate local management of devices within a coordinated environment, enabling on-demand code execution and embedded codes for task management, reducing the need for external communications and enhancing security by managing device states through device shadows and routing messages based on embedded codes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If remote management is used over public or separate networks, then device management capability is improved, but latency increases and privacy risks worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice management capabilityVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a coordinator device as an intermediary component that localizes management functions within the coordinated environment. The coordinator receives commands from external devices, processes them locally, and executes tasks without requiring continuous external network communication. This intermediary approach maintains device management capability while reducing latency by eliminating round-trip network delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If remote management is used over public or separate networks, then device management capability is improved, but privacy security worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice management capabilityVSAvoidprivacy security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the device management system into distinct components: external client devices, a coordinator device, and coordinated devices. By separating management functions into the local coordinator from external network access points, the system enables device management capability while protecting privacy security. The coordinator acts as a boundary that prevents direct external access to coordinated devices, isolating sensitive operations within the trusted local environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of time

If local processing is implemented, then latency is reduced and security is improved, but network communication dependency worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelatencyVSAvoidnetwork communication dependency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the coordinator device pre-process commands and prepare task execution locally before external network communication is needed. The coordinator maintains a ready state for receiving and processing management commands, so when commands arrive from external devices, they can be executed immediately without waiting for network round-trips or external processing. This reduces latency while managing network dependency through efficient local preparation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3545662B1Managing messaging protocol communications
Publication Date: 2023.10.18 AMAZON TECH INC
  • EP3545662B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3545662B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3545662B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Systems and methods are described for management of data transmitted between computing devices in a communication network. An administrative component can configure one or more devices in the communication path of messages to be exchanged by devices to interpret codes embedded in the communication messages. A receiving device can review incoming messages and process the message to determine how the communication message will be routed or otherwise processed according to business rules or logic.