Delegated Trigger Consistency in Automated Home Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in managing multiple electronically controllable devices or systems in a home environment, as each system often requires a dedicated controller device or app that may not be interoperable with other systems.
Innovation Solution
A uniform accessory protocol allows controllers to communicate with accessories in a standardized format, enabling central management of diverse devices. This protocol includes security measures for authorized access and automation of actions through triggered action sets, which can be delegated between controller devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated controller device or app is used for each electronically controllable system, then each system can be controlled reliably, but the device complexity and number of controllers required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal controller device that can control multiple different electronically controllable systems through a standardized communication protocol. The controller is designed to be multi-functional, capable of interfacing with various accessories (lights, locks, thermostats, cameras, etc.) without requiring separate dedicated controllers for each system. This universality reduces the total number of controllers needed while maintaining reliable control over each individual system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coordinator device as an intermediary that facilitates communication between controller devices and accessories. The coordinator receives control requests from the controller and translates them into appropriate commands for the target accessories using the standardized accessory protocol. This intermediary layer enables a single controller to manage multiple diverse systems reliably without requiring direct integration with each accessory.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manufacturer-specific controller apps are used for each system, then each system can be controlled with optimized functionality, but interoperability between different manufacturers' systems is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal controller application that can operate with accessories from multiple manufacturers through implementation of a standardized accessory protocol. The controller app is designed to be multi-vendor compatible, allowing users to control different manufacturers' systems (lights, locks, thermostats, cameras, etc.) through a single interface rather than requiring separate manufacturer-specific apps for each system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a homogeneous communication interface and standardized protocol for interacting with diverse accessories. By uniforming the communication method across different manufacturers' systems, the patent enables consistent control behavior and user experience across varied accessories, making the system as a whole easier to operate despite the diversity of individual components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple controller devices are accumulated to manage disparate devices, then comprehensive control is achieved, but the ease of operation and user convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple manufacturer-specific controller apps into a single universal controller application. This consolidated controller provides comprehensive control over diverse accessories (lights, locks, thermostats, cameras, etc.) through one unified interface, eliminating the need for users to switch between multiple separate applications and thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining broad device coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal controller application is designed to perform multiple control functions across different accessory types through a single interface. Users can control various manufacturers' systems using one app that adapts to different device types, maintaining comprehensive device coverage while significantly improving user convenience compared to managing multiple separate controller apps.
Data Source
AI summary
A first device can identify a trigger. The trigger can include a triggering event and an action to be performed on an accessory device in response to detecting the triggering event. When the trigger is delegated to the first electronic device, the first electronic device can execute the trigger by monitoring for the triggering event and transmitting a control message to the accessory device in response to detecting the triggering event. When the trigger is delegated to a second electronic device, the first electronic device can monitor a status of the second electronic device for a condition indicating that the second electronic device is unavailable to execute the trigger and execute the trigger in response to detecting the condition.