Remote Agent Temporary Password Device Configuration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The current process of configuring electronic devices in home networks requires a service technician to visit each location, making it tedious and inefficient, as each device needs to be manually set up whenever configuration changes are needed.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that allows a remote agent to temporarily access and modify the configuration settings of an electronic device via a network, using a remote interface and processor to assume administrative control, enabling secure and remote management of settings such as firewall and antivirus configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a service technician visits each location to configure electronic devices manually, then the configuration can be performed securely with direct control, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration securityVSAvoidtechnician travel time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A remote agent acts as an intermediary between the service technician and the electronic device. The technician initiates a configuration request, which is transmitted through the network to the remote agent on the device. The remote agent receives authentication credentials, establishes a secure session, and executes configuration commands remotely, eliminating the need for physical presence while maintaining security controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical travel and manual device handling with an electronic communication system. Configuration commands are transmitted as digital signals over the network, and device responses are received and processed electronically. This substitution eliminates travel time and allows simultaneous configuration of multiple devices across different locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a remote agent is granted administrative control to modify configuration settings, then remote configuration becomes possible, but security risks increase from unauthorized access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote configuration capabilityVSAvoidunauthorized access risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Authentication credentials are transmitted and verified before the remote agent is granted administrative control. The system performs preliminary authentication checks, validates the remote agent's identity, and establishes security parameters before allowing any configuration modifications. This ensures that only authorized agents can access administrative functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts access rights and session parameters based on the configuration task at hand. Administrative control is granted temporarily for the duration of the configuration session and then revoked. The system can modify session parameters such as time limits, command restrictions, and access levels during the remote agent's connection to balance operational needs with security requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7634565B2System authorizing a remote agent using a temporary password to manage configuration settings of a device and invalidating it after a fixed time interval

Publication Date: 2009.12.15 GOOGLE TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

A method and apparatus for the management of the configuration settings of an electronic device (108) by a remote agent is provided. The remote agent is connected to the electronic device via a network (100). The method includes temporarily authorizing (304) the remote agent to access administrative information and assume administrative control of the electronic device via the network. Further, the method includes modifying (306) the configuration settings of the electronic device in response to commands received from the remote agent. Moreover, the method includes terminating (308) the temporary access and control rights of the remote agent after the configuration settings of the electronic device are modified.