Network Peripheral Control via Server Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling input and output peripheral resources of addressable devices do not allow for remote coordination or network connections, limiting user-friendly and efficient control of peripherals across devices.
Innovation Solution
A system that establishes a network connection between addressable devices and peripherals, enabling users to selectively control input and output resources by choosing which peripherals to relay data and control signals to and from other devices through a server, allowing for remote operation of subscribed stations and their peripherals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a network connection is established to allow remote control of peripherals across addressable devices, then ease of operation and remote accessibility are improved, but device complexity and network infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that mediates communication between addressable devices and their peripherals over a network. The server receives control signals from user devices, translates them into appropriate peripheral commands, and relays them to the target peripherals, enabling remote control without direct peer-to-peer connections between all devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a universal control architecture where a single networked device can control peripherals across multiple different addressable devices through the server. This multi-functional approach allows one user interface to access and control various peripherals (printers, scanners, cameras) from different devices without requiring separate control mechanisms for each device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If selective control of specific peripherals is implemented across multiple devices, then adaptability and user customization are improved, but system complexity and control mechanism complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system by allowing users to individually select and control specific peripherals from a list of available devices and their peripherals. Rather than controlling entire devices, the system divides control granularity down to the peripheral level (e.g., controlling only a specific printer or camera), enabling precise selective control while maintaining simplified individual peripheral management.
3Ease of operation
If existing systems are used without network connection capabilities, then device complexity is reduced, but remote control functionality and user-friendly operation are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as a mediator that handles the complexity of network communication, device discovery, and peripheral control protocols. User devices only need simple client applications that communicate with the server, while the server manages all the complex tasks of translating user commands into device-specific peripheral commands, shielding users from network infrastructure complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for a establishing a data connection between peripherals through a global computer network. The global computer network having at least two computerized addressable stations connected to a network, and each of the stations including at least one input and at least one output. A computerized server with a storage assembly with software that includes sufficient data and instructions to communicate with the stations to keep a database with information of the station's peripheral resources updated. Each station includes a service software that initiates upon booting the station and keeps track of the peripheral resources and assigned address (ex. IP address) for periodically updating the server's database with changes. Users with friendly interfaces have access to the subscribed stations and their resources as requested and target stations.