Conditional Code Modules for Multi-Protocol Home Automation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of standardization in local device communication protocols within home automation systems makes remote control and supervision of heterogeneous installations difficult due to differences in logical partition mechanisms, state descriptions, and command formats across various protocols.
Innovation Solution
A method for generating conditional software code modules that use generic device models and low-level device models, allowing for uniform control of home automation installations regardless of the local communication protocol, by assembling code fragments based on conversion rules and evaluating conditions on state variables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple proprietary communication protocols are used to support diverse home automation devices, then device compatibility and functionality are improved, but system complexity and difficulty of remote control increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between proprietary protocol devices and the central control system. The gateway translates device-specific protocols into a standardized internal protocol, enabling remote control without requiring the central system to support multiple proprietary protocols directly. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining device compatibility through protocol translation while keeping the central system simple and protocol-agnostic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into three independent layers: device layer (proprietary protocols), gateway layer (protocol translation), and central control layer (standardized protocol). Each layer handles protocol-specific complexity independently, allowing the central control system to remain simple while supporting diverse devices through the gateway's translation capabilities.
2Reliability
If protocol-specific control logic is implemented for each device type, then precise device control is achieved, but programming complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway acts as an intermediary that handles protocol-specific control logic locally. It translates high-level control commands from the central system into device-specific commands using stored protocol definitions. This allows precise device control through protocol-accurate translation while keeping the central control programming simple and protocol-independent.
Solution Approach 2:
Protocol translation rules and device-specific command mappings are pre-configured in the gateway during system setup. This preliminary configuration enables the gateway to automatically handle protocol-specific nuances during operation, eliminating the need for complex real-time protocol handling in the central control system.
3Productivity
If centralized remote control is implemented across heterogeneous devices, then system-wide coordination is improved, but communication overhead and protocol conversion complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway serves as a protocol conversion intermediary that simplifies centralized control. It maintains a translation layer that converts standardized control commands into device-specific protocols, enabling system-wide coordination without requiring the central system to manage multiple proprietary protocols directly. The conversion complexity is localized to the gateway rather than distributed across the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway implements a universal translation mechanism that can handle multiple proprietary protocols through a single standardized interface. This multi-functional approach allows the system to coordinate heterogeneous devices centrally while the gateway absorbs the protocol conversion complexity, presenting a unified simplified interface to the central control system.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for generating a conditional software code module and to a method for controlling at least one home automation system for a building. The home automation system includes a plurality of home automation devices. Each home automation device is represented by at least one instance of a generic device model (GDM) and at least one instance of a low-level device model (RDM). The generation method is carried out by a management unit connected to the at least one home automation system and includes a step of determining a state conversion, converting state variables between the low-level model and the generic model.