Portable Remote Support Device for Secure Equipment Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote support solutions for computer equipment require physical presence due to reliance on internet connections or fully functional computers, leading to inefficiencies and high costs, especially in environments with restricted access and power outages.
Innovation Solution
A portable remote support device with a processing unit, network communication unit, video capturing unit, and secure token generation, allowing remote access and control of computer equipment via a cloud service, even without a stable network, while minimizing unauthorized access through secure token management and secure communication protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a remote support device is permanently installed to enable remote access, then remote support capability is improved, but device portability and versatility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The remote support device transitions from a static permanently installed state to a dynamic portable state. The device can be physically moved between different computer equipment locations, allowing the same device to serve multiple pieces of equipment. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by enabling remote support capability to be maintained while gaining portability and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote support device is designed to support multiple different computer equipment pieces rather than being dedicated to a single location. By incorporating universal connectivity interfaces and the ability to establish remote connections with various equipment, the device achieves multi-functionality, allowing one device to replace multiple location-specific installations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a specialised technician travels to various locations for support, then comprehensive support coverage is improved, but response time and cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The portable remote support device acts as an intermediary between the technician and the computer equipment. The technician can remotely connect to the device via network connection, and the device is physically connected to the equipment needing support. This intermediary setup allows the technician to provide support without being physically present at the equipment location, dramatically reducing response time while maintaining comprehensive support coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical travel of the technician to various locations is replaced by a network-based remote connection system. Instead of mechanically moving the technician to each site, the technician uses electronic network connections to access the portable remote support device, which is located at or near the equipment. This substitution eliminates travel time and costs while maintaining support capability.
3Ease of operation
If existing remote support solutions are used, then remote access is enabled, but requirement for internet connection or fully working computer deteriorates system reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The portable remote support device can operate independently without requiring the host computer to be fully functional or connected to the internet. The device has its own processing unit, memory, and network interface, allowing it to maintain the remote connection and relay commands even when the supported equipment has minimal operational capacity. This self-service capability removes external dependencies and improves reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote support device serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the technician's remote computer and the potentially compromised or limited-capacity host equipment. By handling communication and control functions independently, the intermediary device enables remote access without requiring the host system to meet strict operational requirements, thereby improving reliability.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If secure token generation is implemented, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates secure token generation that changes authentication parameters dynamically. Instead of using static passwords, the system generates time-varying or event-varying tokens for authentication. This parameter change approach provides strong security against unauthorized access while maintaining relatively simple implementation through standard cryptographic functions integrated into the processing unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable remote support device comprises a processing unit, a network communication unit configured to communicate with a cloud service, a video capturing unit, at least one video input port and at least one output port. The processing unit is configured to communicate video signals received via the video input port to the cloud service via the network communication unit, and to emulate pointing device signals and/or keyboard signals received via the network communication unit on said at least one output port. The portable remote support device is configured to obtain unique secure tokens.