Bridge Device for Encoding Scheme Translation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In hazard detection systems, integrating a device with a different data encoding scheme into a system requires significant time and resources, as well as regulatory approvals, due to compatibility issues with existing encoding schemes.

Innovation Solution

A bridge device with two communication interfaces and a processor that translates data between different encoding schemes, allowing direct communication between devices using square wave and sine wave encoding, such as frequency shift keying, without modifying the devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a device using a different data encoding scheme is integrated into a hazard detection system, then the system's functionality and adaptability are improved, but the integration time, resource requirements, and regulatory approval time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to integrate devices with different encoding schemesVSAvoidintegration time and regulatory approval time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a bridge device as an intermediary component that receives data from initiating devices using a first encoding scheme and transmits it to control devices using a second encoding scheme. This mediator handles the encoding conversion, allowing devices with different encoding schemes to communicate without requiring modification or lengthy regulatory approval processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If devices are modified to be compatible with existing data encoding schemes, then communication compatibility is improved, but the time and resources required for modification and regulatory approval increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication compatibilityVSAvoiddevice implementation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than modifying initiating devices to match control device encoding requirements, the bridge device serves as an intermediary that performs encoding conversion. This approach maintains communication compatibility while avoiding the time-consuming process of device modification and regulatory re-approval.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The bridge device is designed to handle multiple encoding schemes simultaneously, making it a universal interface that can adapt to different initiating and control device requirements without requiring changes to the endpoint devices themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If new versions of devices are produced to support multiple encoding schemes, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and approval time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveencoding scheme compatibilityVSAvoiddevice version management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bridge device consolidates the complexity of supporting multiple encoding schemes into a single intermediary component, rather than requiring each initiating device or control device to support multiple schemes. This reduces device version management complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250014443A1Bridge device

Publication Date: 2025.01.09 TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBH

AI summary

The present invention provides a bridge device which allows for communication between two external devices (e.g. an initiating device and a control device) which use different first and second data encoding schemes, without the need to modify either of the devices. In particular, the bridge device has two communication interfaces which can communicate with the respective external devices, and a processor which can translate data from the first data encoding scheme to the second data encoding scheme, and vice versa.