Virtual Device WebAPI for Consistent User Access Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems face increased development steps and potential contradictions due to double registration of device management information when integrating with Gateway servers, leading to inefficiencies in user-access control for devices with unique management systems.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus acquires device management information from device management systems, generates virtual devices based on this information, and mediates user access through a virtual device framework, reducing redundant registration and enhancing control efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If device management information is registered with both the device management system and the Gateway server, then user access control can be implemented, but the number of development steps increases and system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser access controlVSAvoiddevelopment steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual device that copies device management information from the device management system. Instead of directly registering with both systems, the virtual device acts as a replica that contains the necessary management information, thereby simplifying the integration process while maintaining access control functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual device serves as an intermediary between the device management system and the Gateway server. It receives device management information from the device management system and provides it to the Gateway server, eliminating the need for direct double-registration and reducing development complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If device management information is double-registered with Gateway server and device management system, then access control is achieved, but contradictions in management information may arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess controlVSAvoidmanagement information consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The virtual device creates a copy of device management information that accurately reflects the original information from the device management system. This copy ensures consistency across systems without requiring direct synchronization, thereby preventing contradictions while maintaining access control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual device is pre-configured with device management information before integration with the Gateway server. This preliminary setup ensures that the management information is consistent from the start, avoiding potential contradictions that would arise from subsequent synchronization efforts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4304154B1Information processing device, information processing method, program, and information processing system
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP4304154B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4304154B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4304154B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

An acquiring unit configured to connect via a network to a device management system that manages functions of devices, and acquire device management information based on which a device usable by a user and a function usable by the user among functions of the device are managed from the device management system; a generating unit configured to generate a WebAPI based on the device management information acquired, and generate a virtual device configured to respond to an access to the WebAPI in cooperation with the device; an informing unit configured to inform a terminal used by the user of information including how to access the WebAPI; and an accessing unit configured to access the device via the virtual device are provided.