Unified Web Interface for Local and Remote Device Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for configuring multiple computers over a network are time-consuming, prone to human error, and require switching between diverse user interfaces, with heavy-weight application coordination being inefficient and difficult to maintain.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with tightly integrated local and remote web servers that allow seamless configuration through a single web browser interface, enabling users to manage and maintain devices without custom heavy-weight applications, by communicating configuration requests and details between the local and remote web servers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration methods are used to configure multiple computers over a network, then configuration changes can be implemented, but the process becomes time-consuming and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a web server as an intermediary component that mediates between the user and the configuration systems of multiple computers. The web server provides a unified web-based interface that automatically manages configuration changes across local and remote devices, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing human error while saving time.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration system enables self-service automation where the web server automatically handles configuration changes without requiring manual user intervention. The system autonomously manages the coordination between multiple devices, performs configuration updates, and ensures consistency across the network, thereby reducing both time and potential errors.
2Ease of operation
If heavy-weight style software tools like Remote Desktop are used to remotely configure devices, then remote configuration capability is achieved, but the system complexity and difficulty of maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential configuration management functionality from heavy-weight software tools like Remote Desktop and implements it through a lightweight web server. By taking out only the necessary remote configuration capabilities and presenting them through a simplified web interface, the system maintains ease of operation while significantly reducing software coordination complexity and maintenance burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical interaction model of traditional remote desktop tools with a web-based interface model. Instead of requiring full remote desktop applications and complex protocol handshakes, the system uses standard web protocols (HTTP/HTTPS) through which users can configure remote devices, thereby simplifying the system architecture and reducing maintenance requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple diverse user interfaces are used for configuring different devices, then device-specific functionality is maintained, but the user must independently switch between interfaces increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal web-based interface that can configure multiple different types of devices (local and remote computers, printers, network devices) through a single unified portal. The web server adapts to different device types while presenting a consistent interface to the user, thereby maintaining device-specific functionality through the universal interface without requiring users to switch between multiple diverse interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the configuration interface into modular web-based components that can be dynamically loaded and displayed based on the selected device type. This segmentation allows the universal interface to present only the relevant configuration options for each specific device, maintaining adaptability while simplifying the user experience by avoiding the need to manage multiple complete interfaces simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for operating a system which includes a local device running a local web server and a remote device running a remote web server. The method includes (a) running a web browser on the local device, (b) rendering a series of web pages on the web browser, the series of web pages including (i) a set of local web pages served from the local web server, the set of local web pages providing configuration information regarding the local device, and (ii) a set of remote web pages served from the remote web server, the set of remote web pages providing configuration information regarding the remote device, and (c) controlling the configuration of the local device or the remote device based on user interaction with the series of web pages. Computer program products for causing a computer to perform various operations to perform the method are also provided.