Home Automation Bus System with Master Control Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home automation systems based on bus technologies like KNX require complex and expensive sensors and actuators with high intelligence for direct bi-directional communication, leading to instability, slow data transmission, and increased installation effort due to the need for precise configuration and susceptibility to electrical interference.
Innovation Solution
A system for home automation that simplifies the connection of sensors and actuators using a processing unit connected via a bus-type data transmission device, where the processing unit manages actuator control signals based on sensor state information, reducing the need for intelligent electronics in sensors and actuators and enabling easier installation and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sensors and actuators are equipped with high-intelligence electronics for direct bi-directional communication, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a master control unit as an intermediary that centralizes the intelligence and communication processing. Sensors and actuators become simple slave devices that only need to respond to commands from the master unit, eliminating the need for complex bi-directional communication electronics in each device while maintaining system adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the intelligence function into a dedicated master control unit, isolating complex processing from the sensor and actuator devices. This segmentation allows simple, low-cost slave devices to be used throughout the system while the master unit handles all complex communication and control logic
2Adaptability or versatility
If bi-directional communication is implemented between sensors and actuators, then system intelligence is improved, but system stability deteriorates due to electrical interference
Solution Approach 1:
The master control unit acts as a mediator that serializes all communication over the bus, preventing simultaneous bi-directional transmissions that cause interference. The master unit controls the timing and sequence of all data exchanges, ensuring stable communication even in electrically noisy environments
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic polling by the master unit to query sensor states and send actuator commands in a structured sequence. This periodic communication pattern prevents random access conflicts and electrical interference that would occur with simultaneous bi-directional communications
3Manufacturing precision
If complex configuration is required for precise sensor-actuator mapping, then control precision is improved, but installation effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-identification and self-mapping of sensors and actuators during installation. Each slave device has a unique identifier that the master unit automatically detects and configures, eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining precise control mapping through automated device discovery protocols
Data Source
AI summary
A system for home automation includes: at least one actuator for controlling at least one lighting device, arrangement including at least one window blind, or heating device; at least one sensor designed as an operable switch or operable system and able to be switched into different modes; a processing unit; a bus-type data transmission device connecting the processing unit to the at least one sensor and the at least one actuator. The sensor includes a measuring device for registering an actual mode of the sensor and a memory for storing sensor mode information. The processing unit includes: memory access for acquiring sensor mode information stored in a memory of the sensor via the bus-type data transmission device; and a control device to transmit an actuator control signal via the bus-type data transmission device, in order to control the at least one actuator in accordance with the sensor mode information.