Gateway Device Integrating Diverse Radio Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home automation systems require significant effort and complexity to integrate devices from different manufacturers, as they often necessitate firmware updates and changes in signal schemes, making it difficult to expand the system with devices using different control signals.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a gateway device with multiple radio interfaces to transmit control data between devices with different radio interfaces, allowing for the integration of various electrical devices without firmware updates, by using parameter information to generate and transmit specific radio signals for control, enabling control of devices with different signal schemes through a single internet protocol interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a home automation system is expanded with devices from different manufacturers using different signal schemes, then the versatility and functionality of the system is improved, but the device complexity and firmware update requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a signal conversion module as an intermediary component that translates between different radio signal schemes. This mediator enables communication between devices using different signal formats without requiring firmware updates to the main control unit, thus resolving the contradiction by adding versatility while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the signal processing functionality by separating the signal conversion capability into an independent module. This segmentation allows the core system to remain unchanged while adding support for new device types, avoiding firmware complexity increases.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the computing environment is expanded to support new fieldbus systems and device commands, then the adaptability of the home automation system is improved, but the effort and cost for firmware updates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The signal conversion module serves as an intermediary that handles protocol translation without requiring changes to the core computing environment or firmware. This approach maintains ease of manufacture while improving adaptability to multiple fieldbus systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements signal conversion by creating virtual representations or copies of the different fieldbus protocols within the conversion module, allowing the system to support multiple protocols without actually integrating each protocol's full implementation into the main firmware.
3Reliability
If external help is called upon for firmware updates, then the reliability of the system is improved, but the loss of time and increased costs occur
Solution Approach 1:
The signal conversion module is designed to be self-configurable and automatically adapts to different devices without requiring external intervention for firmware updates. This self-service capability maintains system reliability while eliminating time losses and additional costs associated with professional firmware updates.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The method involves transmitting control data with parameter information to a gateway device (30) via a first radio interface (51) during operating mode and training mode respectively to control the electric appliances (11,12). The control data are stored in associated memory area. The radio signals are generated with the parameter information by gateway device. The preset radio signals are respectively transferred between second radio interface (52) and fourth radio interface (54) and between third radio interface (53) and fourth radio interface. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) a system for transmitting control data between internet protocol interface device and electric appliance; (2) a computer program for transmitting control data between internet protocol interface device and electric appliance; and (3) a computer program product for transmitting control data between internet protocol interface device and electric appliance.