Peripheral Communication Device Segmentation for Cost Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users are hindered from accessing peer-to-peer communication systems due to firewall restrictions and the high cost of devices with preinstalled communication clients, which require replacement of all components for updates, leading to reduced user satisfaction and system popularity.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a peripheral device with a local connection to a primary device, where the peripheral device executes a communication client engine to process data packets, allowing for independent communication without the need for server routing and enabling updates without replacing the entire device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a user's device includes all components necessary to communicate over the network (processor, network interface, display, speakers), then the device can function independently, but the cost becomes relatively high and replacement of any component requires replacing the whole device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication device into two functional segments: a peripheral device containing the communication client software and processor, and a display device containing the display and speakers. This segmentation allows the communication functionality to be separated from the display hardware, enabling independent replacement of the peripheral device without replacing the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device serves multiple functions: it acts as both a display output device and a communication endpoint by receiving data packets from the peripheral device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated communication hardware in every device, lowering overall system cost while maintaining full communication capability.
2Ease of operation
If the communication client is preinstalled on the device processor, then communication can start immediately, but updated versions cannot be downloaded due to firewall restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a peripheral device as an intermediary that contains the communication client software. This peripheral device can be connected to the display device via a local connection, allowing the communication functionality to be accessed without installing software on the display device's processor, thereby avoiding firewall restrictions while enabling software updates.
3Ease of operation
If the user purchases a device with communication client preinstalled, then communication is available, but the cost is relatively high compared to other communication methods
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into a separate peripheral device containing the communication client and a display device, the patent enables users to leverage existing display devices they may already own. This eliminates the need to purchase an expensive all-in-one communication device, significantly reducing the cost barrier while maintaining full communication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The peripheral device acts as a portable copy of the communication client that can be connected to various display devices. This copying approach allows users to access communication services without purchasing expensive dedicated devices, as the same peripheral can interface with different display devices, reducing overall system cost.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the user replaces the whole device to update the communication client, then the latest version is obtained, but the cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the communication client in the peripheral device can be independently updated without affecting the display device. The peripheral device can be disconnected and reconnected to the same display device after updates, providing flexibility and adaptability while avoiding the complexity of replacing entire devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmentation of the communication client into a separate peripheral device allows for independent updates of the communication software without replacing the display hardware. Users can update the peripheral device's communication client while retaining their existing display device, reducing both cost and complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~2c
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A method and corresponding system for communicating over a network using a first device and a peripheral device, wherein the first device comprises a user interface and a network interface for connecting to the network, and the peripheral device has a local connection to the first device, the local connection being independent of the network. The method comprises receiving data packets from the network at the network interface of the first device and forwarding the received data packets from the first device to the peripheral device via the local connection. A client engine of a communication client is executed on a processor of the peripheral device to process the received data packets. Processed data packets are sent from the peripheral device to the first device via the local connection such that data contained in the received data packets is conveyed to a user of the first device using the user interface of the first device.