Home Gateway Device Group Control via RF Tag Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current home network systems face challenges in efficiently controlling multiple home devices according to pre-determined operation modes, especially when a user is away from or returning home, requiring manual intervention for complex device management.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus where a home gateway and control station communicate to execute pre-defined operation modes by transmitting control commands to home devices based on stored control lists, using RF tags to detect user presence and trigger modes such as 'away home' or 'coming home' scenarios, allowing simultaneous control of various devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control of each home device is implemented, then device control flexibility is improved, but user operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple device control operations into a single operation mode execution. When an operation mode is activated, the home gateway simultaneously controls multiple home devices according to the pre-stored control list, eliminating the need for users to manually control each device individually while maintaining comprehensive control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The control lists are pre-stored in the home gateway, defining in advance which devices should be controlled and what commands should be sent when specific operation modes are activated. This preliminary preparation allows the system to execute complex multi-device control scenarios with a single user action, greatly simplifying operation
2Extent of automation
If automated operation mode execution is implemented, then user convenience is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The home gateway serves as an intermediary between the control station and multiple home devices. It receives operation mode activation requests, consults the pre-stored control lists, generates appropriate control commands, and distributes them to the relevant devices. This intermediary architecture automates the complex coordination logic while keeping the user interface simple
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the home gateway autonomously determines which devices to control and what commands to send based on the activated operation mode and pre-configured control lists. The system serves itself by automatically executing the complete control sequence without requiring user intervention in the control logic
3Loss of energy
If multiple devices are controlled simultaneously, then energy efficiency is improved, but control precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control lists specify different control commands for different devices within the same operation mode. Each device receives a tailored control command appropriate to its specific function and state, while still being part of the simultaneous multi-device control operation. This allows energy-efficient batch control without sacrificing device-specific precision
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for controlling groups of devices in a home network system are provided. The method includes receiving a request message for executing a first operation mode from a mobile station through the Internet, reading a control list stored for the first operation mode, in order to determine home devices associated with the first operation mode and in order to determine functions of the home devices, in response to the request message, transmitting control commands, instructing the home devices to execute the functions, to the home devices, respectively, according to the control list, and reporting the results of execution of the functions, according to the control commands, to the mobile station.