Centralized IoT Portal for Device Data Sharing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the number of connected devices increases, users face challenges in understanding and managing which devices share data with whom, leading to concerns about privacy and security in the 'Internet of Things' ecosystem.
Innovation Solution
A centralized management platform, referred to as the central portal, allows users to graphically manage their connected devices, define sharing permissions, and control data sharing with third parties, including specifying when and where data is shared, and with whom, through a user-friendly interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users connect more devices to the network, then the functionality and utility of the Internet of Things increases, but the complexity of managing and understanding data sharing among devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized management platform that acts as an intermediary between users and their connected devices. This platform provides a unified interface where users can view all devices, understand data sharing relationships, and control permissions centrally, rather than managing each device individually. The platform mediates the complex interactions between multiple devices and users, making the system manageable despite increasing device quantities.
Solution Approach 2:
The management platform serves multiple functions: device registration, data sharing permission management, user access control, and centralized monitoring. By consolidating these diverse management tasks into a single universal platform, the system reduces the operational complexity that would otherwise arise from managing each function separately across numerous devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If devices share data more freely, then the utility and functionality of the connected device ecosystem improves, but privacy and security concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements granular permission controls where users can specify exactly which devices can access which data from their connected devices. Instead of a blanket permission system, each data sharing relationship is configured with specific local qualities - particular devices get particular access rights to particular data types. This allows data sharing functionality while maintaining precise privacy control over what is shared with whom.
Solution Approach 2:
The management platform provides users with feedback about data sharing activities, showing which devices are sharing data, with whom, and what types of data are involved. This transparency allows users to monitor and control privacy risks by reviewing actual data sharing occurrences and adjusting permissions as needed, balancing functionality with privacy protection.
3Ease of operation
If a centralized management platform is implemented, then user control and privacy management improve, but the system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The management platform enables users to self-manage their connected devices and data sharing permissions without requiring technical expertise or intervention from device manufacturers. Users can independently register devices, configure sharing permissions, and control data access through an intuitive interface, simplifying operations despite the underlying system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent consolidates multiple device management functions into a single centralized platform that handles device registration, permission management, user authentication, and data sharing control. By merging these previously separate functions into one unified system, the platform improves ease of operation while managing system complexity through integration rather than proliferation of separate management systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Centralized management of the Internet of Things resolves user difficulties. Connected devices may be associated with an owner's or user's electronic profile. The electronic profile may be represented as a graphical user interface (such as a webpage), thus allowing remote management of the connected devices. The owner or user may thus configure the electronic profile to define what electronic data is shared and with whom.