Remote Control via Overlay Network and IM
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile phones and computers have evolved separately, using different communication protocols, making direct or indirect communication challenging due to network boundaries like NAT and firewalls, and lacking a common method to establish a viable connection for remote control.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing an overlay network, such as an instant messaging service, to create a communication channel between mobile phones and computers, enabling remote control through a layered architecture that includes a transport protocol layer, remote control protocol, and security mechanisms like paired-key encryption and buddy lists.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mobile phones and computers use different communication protocols, then each device can operate independently with its own optimized protocol, but direct communication between them becomes challenging and requires complex network boundary traversal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an overlay network (such as instant messaging service) as an intermediary communication layer between mobile phones and computers. This mediator translates and relays messages between the different protocol environments, enabling compatibility without requiring complex NAT traversal or firewall configuration. The overlay network acts as a universal language that both device types can understand, resolving the protocol incompatibility issue.
2Reliability
If network boundaries like NAT and firewalls are implemented, then network security and address management are improved, but establishing direct communication channels between devices becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes communication channels through preliminary actions of adding contacts to buddy lists and initiating connection requests before actual data transmission is needed. The overlay network pre-configures the communication path through authentication and contact establishment phases, so that when remote control is actually required, the channel is already open and ready for immediate use, bypassing the need for complex real-time NAT traversal.
3Adaptability or versatility
If overlay networks are used to enable communication, then connectivity between mobile phones and computers is achieved, but multiple protocol layers and security mechanisms increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication system into distinct functional layers: the overlay network layer for basic connectivity and messaging, the transport protocol layer for reliable data transmission, and the remote control protocol layer for application-specific commands. Each layer handles specific tasks independently, which organizes the complexity into manageable segments rather than a monolithic complex system, making the architecture more maintainable and understandable.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for using a mobile phone to remotely control a computing device. In one implementation, a communication channel between the mobile phone and the computing device uses an overlay network, such as an instant messaging (IM) service, to exchange communication data packets. An exemplary system includes a flexible layered architecture—which allows tailoring the system for remote control of various applications using various network configurations. Based on the overlay protocol used, a transport protocol layer can provide helpful application programming interfaces (APIs). On top of the transport protocol layer, a remote control protocol defines a framework for packet exchange of extensible commands, customizable for remote control of diverse applications. Use of paired-key encryption, IM accounts, and buddy lists ensure that communications between mobile phone and remote computer are secure.