Smart Device Control via Remote Server Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart devices with limited processing and communication capabilities face challenges in interacting with the internet and other devices, as they often require supporting an internet server, which can be burdensome or impractical, especially in the context of the 'Internet of Things' where devices need to communicate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enable direct control of smart devices using a remote resource, where a mobile device establishes a short-range connection with the smart device, retrieves a network address and identifier, and accesses a remote resource to transmit commands, allowing for interaction and control through internet-based interfaces without the need for the smart device to run an internal internet server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If smart devices support an internal internet server with HTTP/HTML, then internet-based interaction and control capabilities are improved, but device complexity and processing burden increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the internet server functionality from the smart device itself and relocates it to a remote server. The smart device only maintains local communication protocols (Bluetooth, NFC, Zigbee), while all HTTP/HTML processing and internet-based interface generation are performed remotely. This allows robust web-based control without burdening the constrained smart device with server software.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a remote server as an intermediary between the user's mobile device and the smart device. The remote server handles all complex internet protocol processing, generates HTML interfaces, and manages communication protocols. The smart device simply communicates with the mobile device using simple local protocols, while the remote server mediates all internet-based interactions.
2Device complexity
If smart devices use short-range radio communication only, then device complexity is reduced, but communication range and internet accessibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the communication capabilities of multiple technologies: short-range radio (Bluetooth, NFC, Zigbee) for local device-to-mobile communication, and internet-based communication (HTTP, HTML) for remote accessibility. The remote server acts as a bridge that combines these different communication paradigms, allowing smart devices to benefit from both simple local protocols and extensive internet reach.
3Ease of operation
If internet-based configuration interface is implemented, then setup and control capabilities are improved, but setup overhead and configuration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by having the remote server pre-generate HTML configuration interfaces and handle all authentication and protocol setup before the user needs to interact with the smart device. When a user approaches a smart device, the system automatically initiates the connection process, retrieves the device identifier, and presents a ready-to-use web interface, eliminating manual configuration steps.
4Device complexity
If smart devices have limited processing ability, then device simplicity is maintained, but capability to support robust internet interfaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the internet server interface capability on the remote server that mirrors what would exist if the smart device had full processing power. The remote server generates HTML pages, handles form submissions, and provides web-based controls that appear as if they originated from the smart device itself, even though all processing occurs remotely. This allows constrained devices to offer robust web interfaces through the remote server's computational resources.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for direct control of constrained electronic devices with a remote resource. A method performed in a mobile device is provided. The method includes the mobile device receiving a network address and a smart device identifier from a smart device; accessing a remote resource, such as an external internet application, based on the network address; receiving a command indication, wherein the command indication indicates an action to be executed by the smart device; and causing a transmission of a command to the smart device, wherein the transmission includes the smart device identifier.