Indirect Wireless Data Transfer for Non-IoT Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-IoT devices lack direct wireless communication capabilities with servers, making data transfer challenging and inefficient, especially for firmware updates and log file retrieval, due to the complexity and expense of establishing direct Internet connections and the limitations of manual wired solutions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing at least two user devices as intermediate devices to establish indirect wireless communication between non-IoT equipment and a server, allowing data transfer through first and second wireless communication channels, enabling automatic, reliable, and robust data exchange without requiring direct network access or manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct wired connection (USB storage device) is used for data transfer, then data exchange can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and requires manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces user devices (smartphones, tablets, or computers) as intermediary devices between the non-IoT equipment and the server. These intermediary devices establish wireless communication channels with both the equipment and the server, enabling automatic data transfer without manual USB connection. The intermediary device acts as a bridge that forwards data packets between the equipment and server, resolving the contradiction by eliminating manual intervention while maintaining reliable data exchange.
2Adaptability or versatility
If direct Internet connection infrastructure is upgraded for non-IoT devices, then direct data exchange with server is enabled, but the upgrading is expensive and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of upgrading the non-IoT equipment with complex network infrastructure, the patent uses user devices as intermediaries that already possess Internet connectivity. The intermediary device handles the complex network communication protocols and server interactions, while the non-IoT equipment maintains its simple original design. This approach enables adaptability without increasing device complexity or requiring expensive infrastructure upgrades.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the universal Internet connectivity capability of common user devices (smartphones, tablets, computers) to enable data transfer for non-IoT equipment. Rather than making each non-IoT device individually connected to the Internet, the solution uses the existing multi-functional Internet access capability of user devices that people already carry and use daily, thereby avoiding complex infrastructure changes.
3Reliability
If manual USB connection method is used, then firmware can be transferred, but physical access to equipment is required which is difficult when equipment is hidden or restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses wireless communication-capable user devices as intermediaries that can establish communication channels with the non-IoT equipment without requiring physical USB connection. The intermediary device wirelessly transmits firmware and receives data from the equipment, eliminating the need for physical access. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable firmware transfer capability while dramatically improving ease of operation when equipment is remotely located or physically inaccessible.
4Productivity
If at least two user devices are used as intermediate devices, then data transfer reliability and speed are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data transfer task across multiple user devices, where each device handles a portion of the data transmission. This segmentation allows parallel data transfer through multiple communication channels, improving overall productivity and transfer efficiency. The system manages multiple intermediary devices independently, with each establishing its own communication channel, thereby improving throughput without proportionally increasing individual device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for transferring data between a server (2) and an equipment (1) which cannot establish a direct wireless communication with the server. The method comprises each of at least two user devices (3, 4, 5, 7) establishing a first wireless communication channel with the equipment and establishing a second communication channel for connecting to the server; establishing an indirect wireless communication between the equipment and the server via the at least two user devices; transferring data between the equipment and the server through the established indirect wireless communication. A first and a second part of the data is transferred via a first and a second user device of the at least two user devices, respectively. The first and second part of the data are a same part or different part of the data. The first wireless communication channel is established only when the user devices are within a predetermined distance from the equipment.