Instant Messaging Client for Secure Remote Device Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing instant messaging systems lack a secure and efficient mechanism to remotely control and interact with various devices beyond simple text messaging, limiting user functionality and device accessibility.

Innovation Solution

An instant messaging client that operates on a host device, enabling secure interaction with devices through a user-friendly interface, using authentication and presence information to initiate sessions and perform functions such as file transfer, device control, and administrative tasks, by connecting to an instant messaging service and interacting with a dispatcher to manage requests and responses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If instant messaging systems use simple text messaging for device interaction, then the system is easy to implement and operate, but the functionality and control capabilities are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidfunctionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The instant messaging system is enhanced to perform multiple functions beyond simple text messaging, including file transfer, device control, parameter modification, and administrative tasks. The system maintains its simple text-based interface while enabling diverse operational capabilities through integrated device control protocols and authentication mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the instant messaging client allows remote device control, then user functionality and device accessibility are enhanced, but security risks and authentication complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice accessibilityVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements preliminary authentication through presence information verification and authorized user list validation before allowing any device control operations. Authentication occurs in advance of actual control actions, ensuring that only verified users can access and control remote devices, thus maintaining security while enabling functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system integrates device control protocols and authentication mechanisms, then remote control capability is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The instant messaging client serves as an intermediary layer between users and device control protocols. It handles authentication, message routing, and control command translation, shielding users from underlying system complexity while enabling sophisticated remote control capabilities through a simplified interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9491124B2Remote control using instant messaging

Publication Date: 2016.11.08 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

An instant messaging client may operate on a host device and enable various forms of control of the host device via instant messaging commands. The instant messaging client may connect to an instant messaging service using a user name and having a list of authorized users. The client may be able to sense that a user is on line and initiate a message session with the user. The user may also be able to initiate a session with the host device through the instant messaging client and perform a variety of functions through the instant messaging session.