Virtual Terminal Protocol Conversion for IoT Networking

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity and high production cost of intermediate conversion devices in IoT networks, resulting from the incompatibility of different communication protocols among terminals, hinder efficient networking and increase production costs.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a virtual management terminal and virtual terminals that convert between entity terminal protocols and a predetermined protocol, using a configuration file to simplify network access and data communication, reducing the need for complex protocol conversions within the intermediate conversion device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an intermediate conversion device is used to implement protocol conversion among terminals under different communication protocols, then communication compatibility is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that manages protocol conversion centrally. The server stores configuration files containing protocol conversion rules and acts as a mediator between terminals with different protocols, eliminating the need for each terminal or intermediate device to implement complex multi-protocol conversion capabilities locally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the protocol conversion functionality from the intermediate conversion device and relocates it to the server. The configuration file, which contains protocol conversion rules, is separated from the device structure and stored externally on the server, allowing the intermediate device to have a simpler structure while maintaining conversion capabilities through server interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an intermediate conversion device compatible with different protocols is deployed, then communication requirements are met, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The server is designed to handle protocol conversion for multiple terminal types universally. A single server implementation can serve multiple intermediate devices and support various protocol combinations through configuration files, achieving multi-functionality without requiring custom hardware for each protocol scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses configuration files that can be copied and distributed to multiple intermediate devices. Instead of manufacturing expensive multi-protocol capable hardware for each device, the same configuration file containing protocol conversion rules can be replicated across numerous devices, significantly reducing production costs while maintaining compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If a complex intermediate conversion device is used to achieve protocol conversion, then networking functionality is improved, but networking efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetworking functionalityVSAvoidnetworking efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the protocol conversion process into two parts: configuration management (stored in configuration files on the server) and execution (performed by the intermediate device based on server instructions). This segmentation allows the intermediate device to operate efficiently with simple, pre-configured conversion rules rather than complex real-time decision-making logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protocol conversion rules are prepared in advance and stored in configuration files on the server before actual communication occurs. The intermediate device receives pre-configured instructions from the server, eliminating the need for complex real-time protocol analysis and conversion decision-making, thereby improving networking efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11722373B2Method for networking multi-protocol terminals, method for communicating, storage medium, and electronic device

Publication Date: 2023.08.08 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method for networking multi-protocol terminals, a method for communicating, a storage medium, and an electronic device. The method for networking multi-protocol terminals includes: acquiring a configuration file, configuring, based on the configuration file, a virtual management terminal, wherein the virtual management terminal is configured to perform conversion between an entity terminal protocol and a predetermined protocol; receiving a network access request from a first entity terminal, and creating, based on the network access request, a first virtual terminal corresponding to the first entity terminal, wherein the first virtual terminal is configured to perform conversion between a server protocol and the predetermined protocol; and implementing, based on the first virtual terminal, network access of the first entity terminal.