Cloud Integration Gateway for Premises Automation Interoperability
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for systems and methods that integrate cloud services and internet-connected devices with a user interface and other components of a service provider system, enabling third-party devices and services to control or trigger automations within the service provider system, allowing end-users to integrate and use previously standalone internet-connected devices together with their service provider-based services.
Innovation Solution
The Integrated Cloud System (ICS) integrates cloud services and internet-connected devices with a user interface and other components of the service provider system, using a Cloud Integration Service/Server and a Cloud Integration Adapter to enable third-party devices and services to interact through REST endpoints, automation rules, and a Rules Engine, allowing end-users to control and trigger actions across different devices and services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cloud services and internet-connected devices are integrated with the service provider system, then device interoperability and functionality are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs integration adapters as intermediary components that facilitate communication between third-party devices and the service provider system. These adapters translate and bridge different device protocols and interfaces, enabling interoperability without requiring direct complex integration between all system components. The cloud integration service acts as a central mediator that coordinates interactions between diverse devices and services.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements universal integration adapters that can work with multiple different device types and protocols through a common interface. The cloud integration service provides multi-functional capabilities to handle various device categories (security devices, automation devices, media devices) through unified integration mechanisms, reducing the need for device-specific integration code.
2Ease of operation
If third-party devices are integrated into the service provider system, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface serves as an intermediary layer that presents simplified controls to users while managing the complexity of integrated third-party devices in the background. The interface provides unified access points for controlling diverse devices through consistent interaction patterns, shielding users from the underlying integration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integration adapters automatically perform device discovery, capability mapping, and integration configuration without requiring manual user setup. The system self-configures the integration between third-party devices and service provider functions, reducing the operational burden on users while maintaining ease of control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cloud integration services are implemented, then adaptability is improved, but loss of information increases due to integration overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The integration adapter extracts and translates only the essential data elements required for device interoperability, filtering out redundant information during the integration process. This selective data extraction maintains adaptability while minimizing information loss by focusing on critical device states and control commands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms data parameters between different device protocols and the service provider system's internal format, optimizing data representation to maintain information integrity. Parameter transformations include data type conversions, unit standardizations, and protocol mappings that preserve essential information while adapting to different system requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprises premises devices located at a premises. A gateway device is located at the premises and may communicate with the premises devices. A server is configured to interact with the premises devices and the gateway device. A touchscreen device may communicate with the server and configured to interact with the premises devices. The touchscreen device includes a user interface configured to interact with the gateway device. The user interface is configured to control interactions between the premises devices and the gateway device and trigger, based on at least one automation rule, an action of at least one of the premises devices. Corresponding methods, apparatuses and other systems are also provided.