Digital Twin Command Conversion for Multi-Model IoT Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of controlling IoT devices from different manufacturers is complex due to the use of different data formats, leading to strong coupling between applications and devices.
Innovation Solution
A device control method that utilizes a digital twin model to convert control commands and status data into a standard format, allowing control of devices with different model numbers using a unified data format, thereby decoupling the network device from the IoT application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different data formats are used for devices of the same type from different manufacturers, then each device can be controlled according to its specific format requirements, but the application developers need to control devices using different digital twin models with different data formats, making the control process very complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the control device and network devices. The server receives control commands in a standard data format, automatically converts them to the specific data formats required by different network devices using digital twin models, and forwards the converted commands. This intermediary approach maintains device compatibility while eliminating the need for developers to manually adapt to different device formats, thereby reducing control process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal standard data format for control commands that can be used across all network devices regardless of manufacturer or model. The server's automatic conversion capability provides multi-functionality, handling various device-specific formats through a single standardized interface. This universality allows control devices to interact with diverse network devices using one common protocol, simplifying the control process while maintaining broad adaptability.
2Reliability
If developers create separate digital twin models for each device manufacturer, then accurate control of specific devices is achieved, but the strong coupling between application and device makes the control process very complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data format conversion logic from the application layer and relocates it to the server layer. The server contains digital twin models that encapsulate device-specific format requirements, separating these concerns from the control device's universal interface. This extraction reduces the coupling between applications and specific devices, as the conversion mechanism is now a standalone service that can handle multiple device types without requiring application modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary that manages the relationship between universal control commands and device-specific requirements. By placing digital twin models on the server side, the system maintains reliable device-specific control while the server handles all format adaptations. This intermediary architecture decouples the control device from individual network devices, as the server absorbs the complexity of managing multiple device formats.
3Device complexity
If a unified standard data format is used for all devices, then the control process is simplified and decoupling between network device and IoT application is achieved, but conversion to device-specific formats is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring digital twin models on the server that contain the conversion rules from standard format to various device-specific formats. When a control command is received, the server already has the conversion logic ready, eliminating the need for runtime analysis or manual adaptation. This preliminary preparation of conversion rules reduces the actual conversion overhead during operation, as the server can directly apply predefined transformation rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The server provides self-service by automatically selecting and applying the appropriate conversion rules based on the target device's characteristics. The digital twin models enable the server to autonomously determine the required data format and perform the conversion without external intervention or additional processing steps. This self-service capability minimizes format conversion overhead by eliminating manual configuration or complex decision-making processes during command execution.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device control method and apparatus, a server (102), and a storage medium are disclosed. Network devices (103) of a specific type may include network devices (103) with a plurality of different model numbers. Format conversion is performed on a control entity of a control command sent by a control device (101), based on a correspondence that is recorded in a digital twin model of a network device (103) with any model number of the type and that is between a standard data format of the network device (103) of the type and a data format supported by the network device (103) with the model number. According to the method, the control device (101) can control the network devices (103) with different model numbers by using a control entity of a control command in a unified standard data format, and enable the network device (103) to identify the control entity of the control command sent by the control device (101) without adapting data formats supported by the network devices (103) with different model numbers. This implements decoupling between the network device (103) and an internet of things application, and simplifies a process of controlling the network device (103).