Inter-Network Remote Control via SMS to TCP/IP Gateway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users in developing countries often face challenges in remotely controlling computing devices due to limited access to personal computers and the unavailability or high cost of advanced communication networks like GPRS, which restricts their ability to use infrared keyboards or mice for remote control.
Innovation Solution
An inter-network remote control system that enables remote control of computing devices by transforming messages from disparate data communications networks, such as SMS from a cellular network into TCP/IP format for relay over a second network, allowing control of target computing devices across different communication protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If infrared keyboards or mice are used for remote control, then control capability is improved, but accessibility deteriorates because users need personal computers and physical proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (mobile phone with SMS capability) that mediates between the user and the target computing device. The mobile phone receives SMS commands from the user and relays them to the target device through a gateway, enabling remote control without requiring personal computers or physical proximity to the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables universal remote control capability across different device types and communication networks. By supporting multiple message formats (SMS, email, instant messaging) and different network protocols, the system makes remote control accessible to diverse user scenarios including mobile phone users, users with limited internet access, and users of various operating systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If GPRS-based remote control is used, then advanced digital features are available, but cost and availability deteriorate in many areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes SMS messaging as a low-cost alternative to GPRS data services. SMS is a widely available, inexpensive communication method that works on basic mobile phones without requiring GPRS subscription or data plans, making remote control accessible to users in areas where GPRS is unavailable or expensive.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the communication parameter from data-intensive GPRS protocols to text-based SMS protocols. This parameter change reduces bandwidth requirements, eliminates the need for GPRS network infrastructure, and compatibility with basic mobile phones, thereby reducing both cost and infrastructure requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If protocol transformation is implemented between disparate networks, then interoperability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway server as an intermediary that handles protocol transformation between SMS and TCP/IP networks. The gateway receives SMS messages, transforms them into appropriate network protocols, and forwards them to the target device, isolating the complexity of protocol conversion from both the mobile phone and the target computing device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic message format detection and transformation at the gateway level. The gateway automatically determines the appropriate protocol based on the message source and destination, eliminating the need for manual configuration or complex client-side protocol handling, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An inter-network remote control system is described that enables remote control of computing devices via two or more disparate data communications networks. In various embodiments, the inter-network remote control system receives a message from a mobile device via a first network, transforms the received message so that it can be relayed via a second network, and forwards the transformed message via the second network to a target computing device to cause that device to be controlled remotely.