Third Party Device Control via Network Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote control systems for devices are often overly complex and tightly coupled with the device's primary function, making them difficult to manage and update, and lack efficient separation of viewer and controller functionalities.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that separates the viewer and controller of a device by using a network to facilitate one-way or bi-directional communication, allowing the device to be controlled through a third-party interface without direct user interaction, enabling decentralized control and updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a remote control system is tightly coupled with the device's primary function, then the control mechanism can directly interface with the device, but the system becomes overly complex and difficult to manage and update

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the control system into separate functional modules: a viewer component for displaying device information, a controller component for sending commands, and a network component for communication. This segmentation allows each module to be independently developed, updated, and maintained, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a network as an intermediary between the user and the device, decoupling the control mechanism from the device's primary function. The network acts as a mediator that transmits commands and data without requiring tight coupling, thereby simplifying the control system architecture while preserving control reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the device supports direct user interaction, then the user interface can be integrated into the device, but the device becomes more complicated beyond its basic function

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interface accessibilityVSAvoiddevice functional complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the user interface functionality from the device itself and places it in separate viewer and controller components that communicate with the device via the network. This extraction allows the device to maintain its basic function while providing comprehensive user interaction capabilities through external interfaces, thereby improving ease of operation without increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates universal viewer and controller components that can interface with multiple different devices through the network. These components serve multiple functions: displaying information from various devices, sending commands to different devices, and adapting to different device types. This multi-functionality improves user interface accessibility across devices without requiring each device to be complicated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the control system is updated frequently, then the system remains current and adaptable, but the tight coupling makes updates difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem update ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control system into independent components that can be updated separately. The viewer, controller, and network communication modules can be developed, tested, and deployed independently, allowing frequent updates and adaptations without requiring coordinated changes across the entire system. This significantly improves ease of manufacture and system adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a dynamic control system where components can be added, removed, or modified at runtime through the network interface. New devices can be integrated, existing functionality can be enhanced, and the system can adapt to changing requirements without physical reconfiguration or complex manufacturing processes. This dynamic architecture enables frequent updates while maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9443235B1Method and apparatus for third party control of a device
Publication Date: 2016.09.13 DIGI INTERNATIONAL
  • US9443235B1 patent drawing
  • US9443235B1 patent drawing
  • US9443235B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and apparatus for third party control of a device have been disclosed. By utilizing a third party to control a device, view and control of a device may be separated.