UPnP Relay Module for Remote Network Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for controlling devices across networks, such as VPN tunnels and IMS architectures, are complex and cumbersome, and UPnP networks lack a remote control mechanism, preventing seamless communication and control between local and remote UPnP networks.
Innovation Solution
A method using relay modules in local and remote networks to communicate and control UPnP devices, allowing for the discovery and control of UPnP devices across networks through a proxy-like mechanism, which includes identifier management and address conversion to prevent address conflicts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If VPN tunnel or IMS architecture is used to control remote devices, then network connectivity is established, but the implementation becomes complex and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces relay modules as intermediary components that simplify remote control. Instead of using complex VPN tunnels or IMS architectures, the relay modules act as mediators between local and remote UPnP networks, enabling straightforward communication while reducing implementation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The relay modules provide universal functionality by working with standard UPnP protocols across different networks. The same relay module can control various UPnP devices (media servers, renderers, players) without requiring network-specific custom solutions, thereby simplifying implementation
2Adaptability or versatility
If UPnP multicast discovery mechanism is used, then local network devices are discovered, but remote network devices cannot be discovered
Solution Approach 1:
The relay module serves as an intermediary that extends the UPnP multicast discovery mechanism beyond local network boundaries. It receives multicast messages from remote networks and forwards them to local control points, enabling discovery of remote UPnP devices without modifying the core UPnP protocol
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network discovery function by introducing relay modules at network boundaries. Each relay module independently handles discovery for its associated network, allowing scalable expansion to remote networks without requiring a complete redesign of the discovery mechanism
3Ease of operation
If relay modules are used for remote control, then control simplicity is improved, but address conflict issues may arise
Solution Approach 1:
The relay module acts as an intermediary that manages address translation between different networks. It resolves address conflicts by mapping local network addresses to remote network addresses, allowing simple control operations without encountering address duplication issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the address parameter by introducing network-specific address translation at the relay module level. Instead of using universal addresses that cause conflicts, the system translates addresses according to the specific network context, thereby eliminating address conflicts while maintaining operational simplicity
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention allows the control of at least one UPnP device of a remote network (RSJ3, RS_J) from a local network (RS_A) by means of a local relay module (DMCP_A) of the local network (RS_A) able to communicate with at least one remote relay module (DMCP_B, DMCP_J) of a remote network (RS_B, RS_J). The relay module comprises; means for obtaining, via the remote relay module, at least one identifier of a UPnP device (DMSJ3, DMR_B, DMS_J, DMR_J) detected in the remote network by a UPnP monitoring point associated with this remote relay module; means for recording at least one identifier received in association with identification data of the remote relay module having provided this identifier; means for controlling a UPnP device of said remote network by way of the monitoring point associated with the remote relay module, identified by the identification data recorded in association with an identifier of this UPnP device.