Location-Aware Resource Locator for Dynamic Device Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network addressing configurations, such as URLs, are not effectively applicable to private network configurations and dynamic environments, leading to ad hoc and non-standardized communication and addressing issues for networked electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A location-aware resource locator model that extends standard URL syntax to include location and device type or class, structured as 'scheme://{domain or proximity class}/{properties}', allowing for intuitive ad hoc queries and dynamic device communication, independent of fixed-location strings, and enabling access to both individual and groups of dynamically located resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard URL syntax is used for network addressing, then compatibility with existing web infrastructure is maintained, but applicability to private network configurations and dynamic environments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the resource locator structure adaptable and flexible rather than fixed. The syntax allows dynamic components such as location-based domain names and query parameters that can change based on network conditions, device type, and user context, enabling the system to adapt to private network configurations and mobile environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by extending URL syntax to include location-aware components. The domain name parameter can incorporate geographic location information, and additional query parameters allow specification of device type, network context, and resource properties, transforming the static URL structure into a dynamic addressing mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If location-based resource locators are implemented, then dynamic device access and mobility support are improved, but parsing and resolution complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary resolution system that handles the complex parsing of location-aware resource locators. The resolver acts as a mediator between the simplified user-facing URL syntax and the complex network addressing requirements, translating intuitive location-based URLs into actionable network addresses through a multi-stage parsing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the resource locator into distinct components: scheme, domain (with location information), path, and query parameters. This segmentation allows each component to be parsed and resolved independently, reducing overall complexity by breaking down the complex location-aware URL into manageable parts that can be processed separately.
3Reliability
If ad hoc addressing methods are used for networked devices, then implementation flexibility is maintained, but standards-based communication and reliability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by creating a resource locator syntax that serves multiple functions: it works for both traditional web resources and private network devices, supports static and dynamic addressing, and is applicable across different network types (public, private, mobile). This multi-functional approach provides standards-based communication while maintaining configuration flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods providing a location-aware resource locator model for facilitating communication with networked electronic devices are generally disclosed herein. One embodiment includes a resource locator using a standard Uniform Resource Locator (URL) format, but enabling identification of one or many devices based on logical location information provided in the resource locator. The resource locator may also enable identification of the one or many devices based on logical proximity information (such as a logical term indicating a location property) relative to a dynamic location. Further disclosed embodiments include uses of a hierarchical structure to define logical terms and classes for use with a resource locator, and various location determination and lookup techniques used in connection with accessing an electronic device.