Module-Based Device Control via Wireless Module Server

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for controlling and monitoring devices over the Internet are complex, requiring extensive knowledge and are not feasible for small entities due to high hardware costs and technical complexities, especially for remote access and wireless connectivity.

Innovation Solution

A module-based system that enables device control and monitoring via a hardware module interfacing with a module server, allowing wired or wireless connections, and enabling remote activation of inactive devices without the need for complex server setups or network configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If industrial equipment is used for Internet-based device control, then device control capability is achieved, but hardware cost and power consumption become prohibitive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice control capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive industrial control equipment with inexpensive consumer-grade components including a microcontroller, wireless communication module, and web server software running on affordable hardware. This allows small entities to achieve Internet-based device control without the prohibitive costs of industrial equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If industrial equipment is used for Internet-based device control, then device control capability is achieved, but hardware cost becomes prohibitive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice control capabilityVSAvoidhardware cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a multi-functional microcontroller that handles device control, wireless communication, web server operations, and network configuration tasks. This consolidation of multiple functions into a single inexpensive component eliminates the need for expensive specialized industrial equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If a server is hosted on dynamic IP address, then Internet accessibility is improved, but connection stability deteriorates due to IP address changes

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveInternet accessibilityVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a domain name as an intermediary between the device and Internet users. Instead of directly using the dynamic IP address, the device is accessed through a domain name that can be mapped to the changing IP address, maintaining stable access despite IP changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a notification mechanism where the device informs users of its current IP address or domain name status. This feedback loop allows users to maintain connection stability by being aware of and adapting to IP address changes through the provided interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Ease of operation

If server hosting is implemented, then remote device control is enabled, but network configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote device controlVSAvoidnetwork configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automatic network configuration where the microcontroller autonomously obtains IP address, subnet mask, and gateway information through DHCP, and automatically configures wireless network parameters. This self-configuration eliminates the need for users to manually remap router ports or configure complex network settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

5Use of energy by moving object

If Wake-on-LAN is implemented for remote device activation, then power savings are achieved, but peer computer must remain continuously activated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower savingsVSAvoidpeer computer power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the device activation function from the peer computer and implements it directly in the target device's microcontroller. The microcontroller continuously monitors for wake-up commands on the network and can activate the device without requiring the peer computer to remain powered on, eliminating the need for continuous peer computer operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS9681357B1System, method, and computer-readable medium for interaction with a device via a module-based device interaction system enabled for wireless communication

Publication Date: 2017.06.13 IOBRIDGE

AI summary

A system, method, and computer-readable storage medium that enable the monitoring and control of a device via a network, such as the Internet, via an interactive hardware module that interfaces with the device and communicates with a module server located locally or remotely from the placement of the module. The hardware module allows for the transmission and receipt of data between the device interfaced to the hardware module and the module server, thereby enabling the user manually or automatically to control or monitor the device via an access medium, such as an API. The hardware module and the device may be interfaced via a wired or a wireless connection. Furthermore, the hardware module and the module server may enable the activation of an inactive device from a remote location.