Dual-Protocol Gateway for Cross-Network Lighting Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in transmitting information between local networks using different communication protocols, as they are unable to establish a reliable route across networks with incompatible protocols.
Innovation Solution
A communications device with dual processing units, one configured for ZigBee and the other for Bluetooth, acts as a gateway to relay information between networks by switching protocols and managing hop count values to establish a stable communication route.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single communication protocol is used in a local network, then communication within the network is simple and reliable, but the network cannot communicate with other networks using different protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device is segmented into separate first and second communication units, each dedicated to a specific protocol. This allows the device to handle multiple protocols without mixing them within a single unit, maintaining protocol-specific reliability while achieving multi-protocol adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication device acts as an intermediary between networks using different protocols. It receives data from one network via its corresponding communication unit, processes the data, and forwards it to the other network through the appropriate communication unit, enabling cross-network communication despite protocol differences.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication units supporting different protocols are integrated into one device, then communication between different networks is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device is designed with multi-functionality by integrating multiple communication units that support different protocols. Each unit is specialized for a particular protocol, yet together they provide universal communication capability across networks using various protocols, achieving adaptability without requiring a completely different device for each protocol.
3Adaptability or versatility
If data is transmitted through multiple devices in a network, then routing flexibility is increased, but network load and transmission delay increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary intermediate devices from the communication path by establishing direct communication between source and destination when possible. The communication device can directly forward data between communication units without requiring multiple relay devices, reducing transmission delay while maintaining routing flexibility through the ability to select optimal paths.
Data Source
AI summary
A communications device relays information between a start node among one or more first lighting devices included in a first local network and an end node among one or more second lighting devices included in a second local network different from the first local network. The communications device includes a first processing unit that wirelessly communicates with the one or more first lighting devices via a first communications protocol; a second processing unit that wirelessly communicates with the one or more second lighting devices via a second communications protocol different from the first communications protocol; and a control unit that switches between causing the first processing unit to wirelessly communicate with the one or more first lighting devices and causing the second processing unit to wirelessly communicate with the one or more second lighting devices.