Distributed Home Automation Router Architecture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote device control systems for home security and automation face issues with user privacy, security, reliability, and response speed due to centralized server-based architectures, which can lead to data breaches and poor user experience, especially when multiple incompatible systems are integrated.
Innovation Solution
A distributed network architecture using proprietary routers that facilitate secure, end-to-end communication between mobile devices and home automation systems, allowing direct control of devices without relying on centralized servers, and enabling communication across different signaling protocols through protocol translation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a centralized server-based architecture is used for remote device control, then communication between mobile devices and home automation systems is enabled, but user privacy and security are compromised due to centralized data storage and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized server architecture into distributed edge devices and local controllers. Each home automation system has its own local controller that processes control signals and communicates directly with devices, eliminating the need for a centralized server and reducing privacy and security risks associated with centralized data storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces local controllers and edge devices as intermediaries between mobile devices and home automation systems. These intermediaries process control signals locally without requiring data to be transmitted to or stored on a centralized server, thereby maintaining communication capability while improving security.
2Ease of operation
If a centralized server with database is used to control message flows, then system coordination is achieved, but reliability decreases due to single point of failure and complex database operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized database into distributed local storage on edge devices and controllers. Each local controller manages its own message flow coordination independently, eliminating the single point of failure associated with centralized databases while maintaining system coordination through local peer-to-peer communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service architecture where local controllers autonomously manage message flows and device control without requiring centralized database operations. Each controller independently processes control signals and coordinates with other local devices, reducing system complexity and improving reliability.
3Quantity of substance
If a store-and-forward server system is used for message processing, then comprehensive data storage is achieved, but response speed decreases due to sequential processing and database operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized store-and-forward processing into distributed local processing on edge devices and controllers. Control signals are processed locally at the source and transmitted directly to target devices through peer-to-peer communication, eliminating sequential database operations and significantly reducing response time while maintaining comprehensive data storage locally at each node.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by processing control signals locally at the point of origin before transmission. Edge devices and controllers prepare and route control signals directly to target devices without requiring storage and forward operations through a centralized server, thereby reducing response time while maintaining complete local data records.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple home automation systems with different signaling protocols are integrated, then system versatility is improved, but ease of operation decreases due to incompatible interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by providing a standardized communication interface layer that works across multiple different home automation systems and device protocols. The system can integrate diverse devices from different manufacturers and systems by translating between various signaling protocols through a common peer-to-peer communication framework, maintaining ease of operation while achieving broad compatibility.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system, method, and devices for routing signals and controlling a home device are provided. The system includes a network including communication points that provide a path of communication between connected devices a home device that is connected using the network, a mobile device that is connected to the home device using the network, and a proprietary router in the network through which the mobile device is able to connect to the home device. The mobile device is configured to detect a triggering event at the mobile device, wherein the triggering event is associated with a control signal for controlling the home device, generate the control signal in response to the triggering event being detected, and transmit the control signal to the home device through the network using the proprietary router through the path of communication in response to the triggering event being detected.