Wireless Broadcast Proxy for Remote Device Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Short-range wireless proximity broadcast devices, used for providing information and establishing local area networks, require physical access for maintenance and updates, which is cumbersome especially when located in difficult-to-reach areas or when numerous devices need updating.
Innovation Solution
A remotely configurable wireless broadcast device system that includes a network-connected computer and proxy interfacing with non-network connected devices, allowing remote monitoring and configuration via a server, enabling status reporting and configuration data exchange to manage and update devices without physical access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If broadcast devices are deployed in difficult-to-reach locations or in large quantities, then coverage and functionality are improved, but maintenance and updates become cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the network and non-network connected broadcast devices. The server receives status reports from devices, processes configuration updates, and sends configuration data back to devices remotely, eliminating the need for physical access to each device for maintenance and updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical system of manually accessing devices for maintenance with an automated electronic communication system. The system uses network connections, status report mechanisms, and automated configuration data transmission to perform maintenance tasks remotely, substituting physical intervention with electronic automation.
2Reliability
If physical access is required for device updates, then security control is maintained, but operational efficiency and ease of maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as a secure intermediary that mediates all configuration changes. It authenticates and authorizes configuration updates before transmitting them to devices, maintaining security control while enabling remote operation. The server processes configuration data and manages the update workflow without requiring physical device access.
Solution Approach 2:
The broadcast devices autonomously report their status to the server and receive configuration updates automatically. The devices do not require manual intervention for maintenance tasks, as the system performs self-service operations through automated status reporting and remote configuration deployment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple broadcast devices are deployed, then network coverage and functionality are enhanced, but the complexity of monitoring and managing each device individually increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the management of multiple individual broadcast devices into a single centralized system through the server. Instead of managing each device separately, the server consolidates status reporting, configuration management, and update deployment for all devices, significantly reducing management complexity while maintaining comprehensive network coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The server provides universal functionality that handles multiple devices simultaneously. It performs status report reception, configuration processing, update management, and device monitoring as unified functions, allowing the system to scale to manage large numbers of devices without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The system and method of the present disclosure relates to a remotely configurable wireless broadcast device connected to a network. The device includes a network connected computer and a proxy that interfaces with one or more non-network connected broadcast devices. The wireless broadcast device monitors the non-network connected broadcast devices and periodically reports the status for each of the devices. A server, remotely located from the configurable wireless broadcast device, receives and processes the status reports. The status reports may also be monitored by a user via a common user interface connected to the server. After processing the status reports, the server sends configuration data, including updated or modified information, back to the wireless broadcast device instructing the device to configure the non-network connected devices.