Module-Based Gateway for Remote Device Control and Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Internet-based device control and monitoring systems are complex and costly, requiring specialized knowledge and hardware, making them inaccessible to small entities and individuals due to high expenses, large equipment size, and technical complexities such as dynamic IP addresses, server hosting, and Web site integration.

Innovation Solution

A module-based system that allows device control and monitoring via a hardware module interfacing with a module server, enabling wired or wireless connections, and allowing remote activation of inactive devices through a user-friendly interface, eliminating the need for complex server setups and technical expertise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If industrial Internet-based device control systems are used, then device control capability is achieved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice control capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between the device to be controlled and the remote user. The gateway handles complex functions including server emulation, network protocol conversion, and authentication, thereby isolating complexity from the end user while maintaining reliable device control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The gateway emulates a server environment locally, creating a virtual server copy that can be accessed remotely. This allows remote users to interact with devices as if connecting to a full server infrastructure, achieving reliable device control without requiring actual server hardware at the user end.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If server hosting is implemented for remote device access, then remote control capability is improved, but technical knowledge requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote access capabilityVSAvoidtechnical knowledge requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gateway automatically performs server emulation and network configuration without requiring user intervention. It self-manages authentication, connection handling, and protocol conversion, allowing users to access devices remotely through simple interfaces without needing to understand underlying server operations or networking complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic IP address assignment is used, then network flexibility is improved, but remote connection reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork flexibilityVSAvoidremote connection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The gateway acts as a stable intermediary with a fixed local network identity that bridges the dynamic IP environment and the need for stable remote access. Remote users connect to the gateway through consistent authentication mechanisms, and the gateway maintains stable local device connections, effectively isolating dynamic IP changes from remote access reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If industrial control equipment is deployed, then device monitoring capability is achieved, but hardware cost and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice monitoring capabilityVSAvoidhardware resource requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The gateway is designed as a multi-functional device that combines server emulation, network routing, authentication management, and device control capabilities in a single unit. This consolidates multiple separate industrial control components into one device, reducing overall hardware requirements while maintaining comprehensive device monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The gateway creates virtual copies of server functionality through software emulation rather than requiring physical server hardware. This allows full device monitoring capability to be achieved through virtualized functions, significantly reducing the quantity of physical hardware and power consumption compared to traditional industrial control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS9497261B1System, method, and computer-readable medium for wireless interaction with a device via a module-based device interaction system

Publication Date: 2016.11.15 IOBRIDGE

AI summary

A system, method, and computer-readable storage medium that enable a person to monitor and/or control 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.