Smart Network Gateway Unifies IoT Device Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smart home automation systems require device manufacturers to develop and maintain proprietary protocols, servers, and multiple APPs for different devices, which is costly and complex, especially for non-tech companies, and poses security risks.
Innovation Solution
A shared APP and gateway system that allows smart devices to connect via HTTP, enabling Internet access without the need for device manufacturers to develop specific APPs or maintain servers, using a Smart Network Gateway (SNG) and Shared Device Management Server (SDMS) for secure, web-based device management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If device manufacturers develop and maintain proprietary protocols and servers, then device control and management are achieved, but development cost and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal gateway device that can manage multiple smart devices from different manufacturers through a single unified interface. The gateway provides multi-functional capabilities including device registration, protocol translation, command forwarding, and status monitoring, eliminating the need for separate proprietary systems for each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway acts as an intermediary between the central server and various smart devices. It receives commands from the server, translates them into device-specific protocols, forwards them to the appropriate devices, and relays status information back to the server. This mediator role simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing protocol translation and device management functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple proprietary APPs are developed for different devices, then specific device functionality is achieved, but development cost and maintenance burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway provides a universal control interface that can manage multiple different types of smart devices through a single APP. The system achieves device-specific functionality through the gateway's ability to translate generic commands into device-specific protocols, eliminating the need for manufacturers to develop separate proprietary APPs for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway automatically performs protocol translation and command routing based on device identification. When a command is sent to a registered device, the gateway autonomously determines the appropriate protocol translation and forwarding path, reducing the need for complex manual configuration and multiple specialized APPs.
3Ease of operation
If proprietary protocols are used for each device, then device communication is achieved, but security risks increase due to multiple attack vectors
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway serves as a secure intermediary between the central server and smart devices. It implements a single point of security validation where authentication and authorization are performed centrally. The gateway translates secure authenticated commands into device-specific protocols, ensuring that only authorized commands reach the devices while maintaining communication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent consolidates multiple protocol translations and security validation functions into a single gateway device. By merging these functions centrally, the system reduces the number of exposed attack vectors compared to having multiple proprietary protocols and APPs, while maintaining the ability to communicate with diverse devices through unified security management.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are described including logging on to an account on the shared server based on credentials, transmitting a request to the shared server for a list of smart devices registered to the account, receiving the list of smart devices from the shared server, linking to a selected one of the smart devices from the list of smart devices received from the shared server; and transmitting a smart device command to the selected smart device. Also described are a method and apparatus including receiving credentials from a client device to log-on to an account, receiving a request from the client device for a list of smart devices registered to the account and transmitting the list of smart devices to the client device.