Protocol Converter Gateway for Remote Device Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems struggle to enable remote access to electronic devices connected to internal local networks from external networks, as they often require complex network configuration changes and cannot support devices without UI display capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A communication system that includes a relay server and a secure box with protocol conversion capabilities, allowing an information terminal to securely connect to and control electronic devices on a local network by converting protocols and providing a simple setup for accessing services like remote desktop and facsimile services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a communication system establishes direct connection between external network and local network devices, then remote access capability is improved, but network security and configuration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between the external network (first network) and local network devices (second network). The gateway receives requests from external terminals, converts protocols, and forwards them to appropriate local devices. This mediator approach enables remote access without direct network connections, simplifying configuration while maintaining security boundaries between networks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversion is implemented to support devices without UI display capabilities, then device compatibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device is designed with multi-functional capabilities including protocol conversion, message routing, and interface adaptation. It can handle multiple communication protocols (HTTP, WebSocket, MQTT, CoAP) and support various device types (devices with UI, devices without UI, cloud services) through a single unified platform, reducing the need for multiple specialized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway acts as a protocol mediation layer that translates between different communication protocols and message formats. It converts external requests into device-specific protocols and vice versa, enabling seamless communication between diverse devices and external terminals without requiring each device to support multiple protocols directly.
3Productivity
If existing electronic devices are utilized for remote access services, then service deployment speed is improved, but support for devices without UI capabilities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway provides a standardized interface layer that abstracts away the UI requirements of target devices. External terminals interact with the gateway using standard protocols, and the gateway handles the adaptation to device-specific interfaces, including devices without traditional UIs. This allows rapid deployment to existing devices while maintaining support for diverse device types through protocol translation rather than requiring UI capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed communication system designed for implementing remote access from an information terminal connected to a first network to an electronic device connected to a second network differing from the first network. The communication system includes a computer having a processor and a memory storing programmed instructions that, when executed by the processor, are operable for performing a process. The process includes relaying, by a relaying device, communication between the information terminal and the second network, in a state of being connectable from the first network and the second network; and converting, by a converter, a first protocol used by the information terminal for the remote access into a second protocol corresponding to the electronic device.