Remote Device Monitoring via Indirect File Transfer Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote monitoring and management systems face limitations due to the need for direct messaging protocols and high bandwidth requirements, which add complexity and restrict architecture, especially when communicating across networks with firewalls or local networks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for remote monitoring and management using indirect file transfer through an intermediary file transfer server, enabling efficient and scalable information exchange with minimal bandwidth overhead, allowing for flexible monitoring and management of remote devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct messaging protocols (email/HTTP) are used for remote communication, then information exchange between apparatus and server is enabled, but device complexity increases due to requiring email clients or session-based HTTP messaging clients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a file transfer server as an intermediary component between the remote apparatus and the central server. The apparatus uploads files to the file transfer server using simple FTP commands, and the central server downloads files from the file transfer server. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for the apparatus to contain complex email clients or HTTP messaging clients, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable communication.
2Loss of information
If message containers are used to encapsulate and transmit data, then information can be transferred between apparatus and server, but bandwidth requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data encapsulation overhead by using direct file transfer instead of message containers. Status information and configuration data are transferred as raw files through the file transfer server using FTP protocol, eliminating the need for message container encapsulation and decapsulation processes. This extraction approach significantly reduces bandwidth consumption while ensuring complete information transfer.
3Reliability
If direct connection architecture is used for remote management, then communication between apparatus and server is established, but adaptability is reduced due to firewall restrictions and network complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The file transfer server acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between the remote apparatus and the central server across different network environments. By using the widely-supported FTP protocol and a standard file transfer server, the system can communicate through firewalls and across various network types (LAN, WAN, Internet) without requiring complex network configuration or direct connection setup, thereby enhancing network compatibility and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote computing device associated with a remote apparatus obtains information related to the apparatus, and generates a file containing the information. The file is uploaded to a file transfer server. An apparatus management and computing system monitors the file transfer server and identifies newly generated and uploaded files. The files are downloaded and parsed to extract the information related to the remote apparatus. The parsed information is stored in a database and made available to a user through a monitor application. The system may be configured for the monitoring of multiple remote apparatuses. The remote computing device associated with a given remote apparatus may also monitor the file transfer server and obtain instruction files generated and uploaded by the apparatus management and computing system.