Event-Command Rule Localization for Reliable Connected Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connected lighting systems face reliability issues due to slow responses from external clients, especially during internet outages, which affect the execution of automation rules.
Innovation Solution
A control system that replaces external client behavior by local behavior, using input and output interfaces to receive and transmit signals, determine events, and establish new rules for controlling devices, ensuring reliable automation rule execution by moving cloud-based automation to a local environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automation rules are executed via external clients (cloud-based), then the system offers centralized control and remote accessibility, but the response time increases and reliability decreases during internet outages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the automation rule execution functionality by separating it into two parts: event subscription remains cloud-based for centralized management, while rule evaluation and command execution are localized to the local control system. This segmentation allows the system to maintain remote accessibility through cloud connectivity while achieving fast local response times and reliability during internet outages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-downloading automation rules from the cloud to the local control system before they are needed. The local system stores these rules locally and can execute them immediately when events occur, without waiting for cloud processing. This prepares the system in advance, enabling fast response times and continuous operation during internet outages.
2Productivity
If automation rules are executed locally without external clients, then response time and reliability improve, but the system loses centralized control and remote accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of both local and cloud-based execution by combining local rule evaluation with cloud-based rule management. The local control system executes rules autonomously for fast response, while the cloud system maintains centralized control for rule updates and remote accessibility. This hybrid approach achieves both high productivity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The local control system is designed with multi-functionality: it can execute automation rules autonomously when offline, sync rules with the cloud when online, and maintain a local database of events and commands. This universal design allows the system to adapt to different network conditions and operational requirements, providing both fast local execution and remote accessibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external clients are used for automation control, then remote accessibility is maintained, but the system is affected by internet outages and latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by implementing a local buffer mechanism where the control system stores automation rules and event data locally. When internet connectivity is available, the system syncs with the cloud; when connectivity is lost, the local buffer allows continuous autonomous operation. This cushioning mechanism protects the system against internet outages, maintaining reliability while preserving remote access capability when available.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of controlling one or more devices (13) of a plurality of devices (13,15) associated with a control system comprises a control system (1) receiving input signals from at least one device (15) of the plurality of devices, determining events from the input signals, transmitting the events to a further system (26), receiving control commands destined for the one or more devices from the further system, and transmitting output signals representing the control commands to the one or more devices. The method further comprises determining a relationship between the events and the control commands, establishing a new rule based on the determined relationship, receiving a new input signal from the at least one device, determining a new event from the new input signal, and controlling the one or more devices according to the rule in dependence on the new event.