Peer-to-Peer Remote Control for Smart Devices

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Smart device users face inefficiencies in receiving assistance due to long waiting periods, language barriers, and inconsistent support experiences when troubleshooting or configuring their devices, often requiring advanced technical knowledge and leading to user error perceptions and unnecessary device returns.

Innovation Solution

A peer-to-peer remote control method allows users to remotely view, operate, and control another smart device for knowledge transfer and troubleshooting, using a Virtual Mobile Management system with features like mutual authentication, secure connection establishment, and restricted access to sensitive applications, enabling assistance from acquaintances or IT support without language barriers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If Virtual Mobile Management Remote Control applications are used for customer support, then personalized customer care experience is improved, but long waiting periods for verification and service entitlement occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomer care experienceVSAvoidwaiting period
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-verifying user identities and service entitlements before the remote control session begins. The invitation mechanism includes pre-authenticated links that validate the helper's authority to access the beneficiary's device, eliminating the need for time-consuming verification during the support session.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary invitation mechanism that mediates between the beneficiary and helper. The system generates secure, time-limited invitation links that act as intermediaries, automatically validating service entitlements and permissions without requiring direct verification between support agents and users during the session.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If remote control applications are used for assistance, then troubleshooting capability is improved, but language barriers and inconsistent support experiences persist

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetroubleshooting capabilityVSAvoidsupport consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements universal support by enabling any authorized person (family member, friend, or support agent) to provide assistance through the same peer-to-peer remote control mechanism. The invitation-based access control ensures that the same technical capabilities are available regardless of the helper's identity or language, providing consistent support experience across different users and languages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The beneficiary initiates and controls the remote support session by sending invitations to helpers of their choice. This self-service approach allows users to select helpers who speak their language or with whom they feel comfortable, while the system automatically provides consistent technical capabilities and troubleshooting functions regardless of who the helper is.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If peer to peer connection is established for remote control, then support efficiency is improved, but security risks from unauthorized access increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport efficiencyVSAvoidunauthorized access risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary security actions by requiring the beneficiary to explicitly invite and authorize each helper before granting access. The invitation links include pre-configured security tokens and time-limited permissions that are validated before the peer-to-peer connection is established, ensuring that only authorized users can connect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the beneficiary receives notifications about connection requests and can approve or deny access in real-time. The helper and beneficiary devices exchange authentication tokens and session identifiers that are verified by both parties, providing continuous feedback to ensure unauthorized access is prevented while maintaining efficient peer-to-peer connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2978192B1Peer to peer remote control method between one or more mobile devices
Publication Date: 2021.06.02 VMWARE INC
  • EP2978192B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2978192B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2978192B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Described herein is a method for providing peer to peer remote control management between a helper and a beneficiary mobile device. The method includes registering, by the helper and beneficiary mobile devices, with a secure server. The helper mobile device authenticates with the secure server. The helper or the beneficiary mobile device perform discovery with respect to the other device. A trust relationship is established between the helper and beneficiary mobile devices by performing mutual authentication. An auto connection discovery process is performed to determine if the helper and the beneficiary mobile devices are on a same sub network. A peer to peer connection is established between the helper and the beneficiary mobile devices if the helper and the beneficiary mobile devices are on the same sub network and a secure server mediates between the helper and the beneficiary mobile devices if they are on different sub networks.