Universal Web Access Control With Flattened Packet Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic system management technologies are limited in their ability to monitor and control multiple electronic appliances from a centralized location, often leading to increased network traffic and inefficient use of computing resources, as they are typically proprietary and designed for single-device communication.

Innovation Solution

A web-based management system with flexible Ethernet connectivity and Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity allows for remote monitoring and control of various electronic devices from any browser-connected network, using a flattened network stack for efficient traffic processing and dynamic web page creation, enabling proactive service and support through email notifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If proprietary monitoring and control systems are designed for specific electronic appliances, then control functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases and adaptability to other appliances is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different electronic appliancesVSAvoidcomplexity of proprietary control systems
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal controller that can monitor and control multiple types of electronic appliances through a standardized interface. The system uses a web-based architecture with a central controller that communicates with various appliances via Ethernet, eliminating the need for proprietary control systems for each device. The controller can adapt to different appliance types through configuration files and standardized communication protocols, providing multi-functional capability without increasing complexity.

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

2Ease of operation

If dedicated wiring systems are installed for appliances without communication paths, then monitoring and control capability is achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of monitoring and control accessVSAvoidcomplexity of wiring infrastructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical wiring infrastructure with network-based communication. Instead of installing dedicated wiring systems for each appliance, the solution uses existing Ethernet networks to transmit control and monitoring data. The controller communicates with appliances through standard network protocols, eliminating the need for complex physical wiring while maintaining ease of access for monitoring and control operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple proprietary communication packets are transmitted across the network to control multiple appliances, then control capability is achieved, but network traffic increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to control multiple appliancesVSAvoidnetwork traffic volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates control of multiple appliances through a single universal controller that manages all devices centrally. Instead of transmitting separate proprietary communication packets for each appliance, the system uses a unified web-based interface and standardized network protocols. The controller can issue single commands that affect multiple appliances or efficiently manage communication sessions, reducing overall network traffic while maintaining the capability to control multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If computer workstations are used as dedicated controllers, then control functionality is achieved, but computing resources are limited and redundancy increases cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol capability from workstationVSAvoidnumber of dedicated controllers
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal controller that can serve multiple functions and replace multiple dedicated controllers. The web-based controller can be accessed from any standard web browser, eliminating the need for specialized workstation software. A single controller instance can manage multiple appliances and support multiple users simultaneously, reducing the quantity of dedicated controllers needed while maintaining full control functionality across the system.

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

Data Source

PatentUS7451238B2Method and apparatus for providing universal web access functionality
Publication Date: 2008.11.11 RGB SYSTEMS INC
  • US7451238B2 patent drawing
  • US7451238B2 patent drawing
  • US7451238B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A flexible electronic asset management system using Ethernet connectivity for electronic devices is presented. The invention enables multiple electronic devices to be controlled, monitored, and accessed from any browser connected to a computer network. A flattened stack approach is used to process network packet data. The flattened stack approach treats the network packet as a single string of data and uses the first few bytes of information to decide whether to drop or process the incoming data thus providing for faster network traffic processing. Since the lowest layer of the OSI stack has knowledge of what applications are active in the upper layers, the flattened stack allows the packet to be discarded at the earliest possible point so no processing power is wasted. The flattened stack also organizes its check/processing based on the raw data stream thus minimizing buffer requirements and providing for easier implementation into hardware.