Cloud and Local Message Queue Synchronization for Home Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Home automation systems face challenges in integrating diverse devices due to different communication protocols and the complexity of setting up and managing multiple applications, leading to difficulties in aggregating and coordinating various smart devices within a single system.
Innovation Solution
A home automation system that includes a cloud message queue controller and a local message queue controller to synchronize device configurations, capabilities, and states across multiple addressable devices, allowing for unified communication and control through a centralized hub device, such as the K4Hub, which supports various wireless communication protocols and enables local operation independent of internet connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication protocols are used to support diverse devices, then device compatibility and versatility are improved, but system complexity and difficulty of integration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hub device as an intermediary component that mediates between diverse smart devices using different communication protocols and the control system. The hub translates and standardizes communications from various protocols (WiFi, Zigbee, Zwave, etc.) into a unified format, allowing devices with different protocols to work together without increasing overall system complexity for the end user.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub device is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple communication protocols simultaneously. It can receive, translate, and forward messages across different protocol types, making it a universal interface that handles diverse device types through a single device rather than requiring separate integration systems for each protocol.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple applications are used to control different devices, then device-specific functionality is improved, but ease of operation and user convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple device-specific applications into a single unified application interface. The hub consolidates control of all connected devices (lights, locks, thermostats, audio systems, etc.) into one application, eliminating the need for users to switch between multiple applications while preserving access to all device-specific functions through the unified interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cloud-based communication is used for device control, then remote access capability is improved, but communication latency and system reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication architecture into two parts: local communication through the hub for real-time device control, and cloud-based communication for remote access. This segmentation allows critical local operations to occur without cloud dependency, maintaining reliability, while cloud connectivity provides remote access capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by establishing local communication pathways through the hub before remote access is needed. Devices are pre-configured and can be controlled locally with immediate response. When remote access is required, the system can then synchronize through the cloud, ensuring that critical functions already have established local pathways.
Data Source
AI summary
A home automation (HA) system may include addressable HA devices each having associated therewith a respective device capability, device configuration, and device state. The HA system may also include a cloud message queue controller and a cloud message queue memory coupled thereto in the cloud for storing the device configurations, device capabilities, and device states for the addressable HA devices. The HA system may also include a home device message queue controller and a home device message queue memory coupled thereto for storing the device configurations, device capabilities, and device states for the addressable HA devices. The cloud message queue controller and the home device message queue controller may synchronize device configurations, device capabilities, and device states for the addressable HA devices.