Home Automation Hub Multi-Protocol Address Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Home automation systems face challenges in integrating diverse devices due to different communication protocols and the complexity of setting up and managing multiple applications, leading to difficulties in device aggregation and seamless event triggering across different devices.
Innovation Solution
A home automation system that includes a hub device capable of communicating using multiple wireless protocols, such as Bluetooth and WiFi, and a method for transmitting network addresses to enable communication between devices using different protocols, while also configuring wireless networks to block device discovery and utilizing access credentials for secure communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication protocols (Bluetooth, WiFi, Zigbee, Zwave, etc.) are used to support diverse devices, then device compatibility and versatility are improved, but system complexity and difficulty of integration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs protocol translation intermediaries that convert messages between different communication protocols (Bluetooth, WiFi, Zigbee, Zwave, etc.) and a standardized internal format. This allows diverse devices to communicate through the system without requiring direct protocol compatibility, resolving the contradiction by maintaining high adaptability while managing complexity through centralized translation layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a universal message queue and standardized message format that can handle multiple communication protocols through a single unified interface. This multi-functional architecture allows the same core infrastructure to serve diverse protocol requirements, improving versatility without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a service and device aggregator is used to consolidate multiple applications, then ease of operation is improved, but device functionality and software updates are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables devices to self-register and self-configure by automatically publishing their capabilities and subscription information to the message queue. Devices can autonomously discover and connect to relevant services without manual configuration, maintaining ease of operation while preserving full device functionality and the ability to receive updates independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The architecture segments the system into independent, loosely-coupled components where each device operates autonomously but can be discovered and controlled through the unified message queue interface. This segmentation allows the aggregator to provide consolidation benefits while individual devices retain their full functionality and update capabilities.
3Reliability
If wireless networks are configured to block device discovery for security, then security is improved, but device aggregation and setup become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary device pairing and credential exchange before blocking device discovery. During setup, devices establish secure connections and exchange access credentials in advance, allowing the network to subsequently block discovery while maintaining the ability to communicate with authorized devices. This resolves the contradiction by securing the system beforehand without permanently blocking setup operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A home automation (HA) system may include a first HA device having a network address associated therewith. The first HA device may include a first wireless device to receive a network address request using a first wireless protocol, and a second wireless device to transmit the network address using a second wireless protocol. The HA system may also include a second HA device. The second HA device may include a first wireless device to transmit the network address request to the first wireless device of the first HA device. The second HA device may also include a second wireless device receiving the network address and using the network address to communicate with the second wireless device of the first HA device using the second wireless protocol.