Central Controller for Connected Aquatic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool and spa systems lack integration and communication between multiple applications and platforms, limiting access and control of aquatic devices, and fail to provide a scalable structure for dynamic integration with various data types and formats, making it difficult for users to visualize and manage aquatic systems, especially in rental properties.
Innovation Solution
A connected aquatic system with a central controller that manages and controls aquatic equipment components based on user access levels, integrating with cloud-based servers and disparate applications, enabling secure access and data processing, and including a notification system for user updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralized control system is implemented to manage aquatic equipment, then access control and security are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an authentication system as an intermediary component that mediates between users and the aquatic equipment control system. This authentication system verifies user credentials and grants appropriate access levels, thereby improving security and access control without requiring the entire system to become more complex. The intermediary handles authentication logic centrally, keeping the overall system architecture manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into distinct functional modules: an authentication system for access control, a notification system for user communication, and the aquatic equipment control components. This segmentation allows each module to be developed, maintained, and scaled independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining robust access control capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If integration with multiple disparate applications is enabled, then system versatility and adaptability are improved, but integration complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The notification system is designed with universal interfaces that can communicate with multiple disparate applications and platforms. It employs standardized data formats and communication protocols that enable it to serve multiple functions: sending notifications to different applications, processing various data types, and integrating with diverse systems. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to achieve high versatility without proportionally increasing integration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts data processing parameters based on the specific application and data type being integrated. It can change processing depth, validation rules, and communication protocols according to the requirements of each integrated application. This parameter adaptation allows the system to handle diverse data formats and applications efficiently without requiring a completely separate integration architecture for each case.
3Reliability
If user access levels are restricted to protect safety and liability, then security is improved, but user convenience and ease of operation decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication system implements dynamic access level assignment that adapts to different users, time periods, and operational contexts. Rather than static permission settings, the system can grant different levels of access to different users based on their credentials and the current situation. This dynamic approach maintains safety by enforcing necessary restrictions while improving user convenience by automatically providing appropriate access without requiring users to navigate complex permission settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification system provides self-service functionality that informs users about their access levels and available operations. Instead of requiring users to understand complex permission structures, the system automatically communicates what actions they can perform and guides them through available options. This self-service approach maintains security restrictions while significantly improving ease of operation by making the system's capabilities transparent and accessible to users.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for connected aquatic devices are provided. The system includes a controller designed to execute programmable instructions to control and manage requests and data received from disparate applications. The controller can be connected to one or more pool components of a connected aquatic system and one or more disparate applications. The system can receive and process requests from the disparate applications, including processing third-party data, to provide or limit access and control to the pool components, spa components, or other aquatic devices.