Gateway Protocol Translation for Security System Interoperability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional home and business security systems are limited by proprietary technologies, lacking interoperability and advanced network capabilities, which restricts their ability to utilize broadband and wireless networks for remote monitoring and control.

Innovation Solution

An integrated security system that includes a gateway device and associated software, enabling broadband and mobile access, and allowing conventional security systems to be connected to IP networks, with a touchscreen interface for remote monitoring and control, and supporting various wireless protocols to integrate with different security panel systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If proprietary security systems are used, then system reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between proprietary security systems and IP networks. This gateway translates proprietary protocols into standard IP protocols, allowing secure communication without modifying the original reliable security system. The gateway acts as a mediator that preserves system reliability while enabling network adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the proprietary security system module, the gateway translation module, and the IP network module. This segmentation allows each component to maintain its own characteristics (reliability for security systems, interoperability for the gateway, standardization for IP networks) while working together as an integrated whole.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If broadband network integration is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gateway serves as a specialized intermediary that handles all the complexity of protocol translation and network integration. By concentrating this complex functionality in a single dedicated device, the patent avoids distributing complexity across multiple components, making the overall system easier to manage and install.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms for automatic connection management, where the gateway monitors network status and automatically adjusts communication parameters. This reduces the need for manual configuration and simplifies user interaction despite the underlying technical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If remote monitoring capabilities are added, then adaptability is improved, but loss of information increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidinformation loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The gateway acts as an information-preserving intermediary that captures and forwards security events, alarm signals, and system status data to remote locations. By implementing reliable data transmission protocols and buffering mechanisms at the gateway, the system ensures that critical security information is not lost during remote communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed to handle multiple types of information simultaneously (alarm signals, status updates, diagnostic data) through a universal communication framework. This multi-functional approach ensures comprehensive information transmission without loss, as the gateway is equipped to manage diverse data types through standardized IP protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10237237B2Communication protocols in integrated systems
Publication Date: 2019.03.19 ICONTROL NETWORKS INC
  • US10237237B2 patent drawing
  • US10237237B2 patent drawing
  • US10237237B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods comprise a gateway that includes a processor coupled to a security system at a premises via a channel. The channel comprises a protocol of the security system that is a proprietary bus protocol of the control panel of the security system. A touchscreen at the premises is coupled to the gateway and presents user interfaces. The user interfaces include a security interface that provides control of functions of the security system and access to data collected by the security system, and a network interface that provides access to network devices. A camera is located at the premises and coupled to the gateway. A security server at a remote location is coupled to the gateway. The security server comprises a client interface through which remote client devices exchange data with the gateway and the security system.