Accessory Controller Network with Proxy Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in managing multiple electronically controllable devices from different manufacturers, as each device often requires a dedicated controller device or app, leading to a piecemeal approach that is not scalable and lacks interoperability.
Innovation Solution
A uniform accessory protocol allows controllers to communicate with and control various devices using standard transport protocols, with security measures to ensure authorized access, and enables multiple controllers to establish pairings and privileges, with proxies or coordinators facilitating communication when direct access is not possible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated controller device or app is provided for each manufacturer's device, then device-specific control functionality is achieved, but system complexity increases and interoperability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal controller that can control multiple types of electronic devices from different manufacturers through a standardized protocol. The controller includes a processor that executes instructions to establish communication sessions with various accessories using a common pairing and control mechanism, eliminating the need for separate dedicated controllers for each device type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple controllers are allowed to control the same accessory, then user flexibility increases, but security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coordinator device that acts as an intermediary to manage multiple controllers accessing the same accessory. The coordinator establishes communication sessions between controllers and accessories, implementing security policies and authorization mechanisms that allow multiple users to control accessories securely through a centralized management point.
Data Source
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AI summary
Controllers can be used to control the operation of various accessories. Controllers with access to a particular accessory (or group of accessories) can be organized into a controller network to facilitate control. The controller network can include various proxy devices including bridge and tunnel proxies that can relay messages to and from accessories, perform protocol translations, and/or provide communication security. Some proxy devices can include decision logic to enable coordinated control over one or more accessories by the controllers in the controller network..