Home Network Middleware Interface Protocol Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home automation systems face challenges in configuring devices to interface with home networks due to significant programming overhead and computing power requirements, particularly when using TCP/IP protocols, which are unsuitable for low-powered devices.
Innovation Solution
A platform-independent network interface method and apparatus using a routing computer with a frame engine that decodes data packets into platform-independent data objects and encodes them back into a different communication protocol, reducing the need for substantial computing capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If TCP/IP protocol stack is implemented on low-powered devices for home network communication, then network connectivity and Internet access are achieved, but programming overhead and computing power requirements become excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the protocol stack functionality by separating the TCP/IP stack execution from low-powered devices and relocating it to a router or gateway with sufficient computing resources. Low-powered devices only handle simple protocol encoding/decoding while the router manages the complex TCP/IP stack, thus reducing programming overhead on constrained devices while maintaining full network connectivity capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The router acts as an intermediary device between low-powered home automation devices and the TCP/IP network. The router runs the full TCP/IP stack and handles complex protocol processing, while low-powered devices communicate through simplified protocols that are translated by the router, thereby eliminating the need for substantial computing capability on end devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If driver programs execute on personal computers with substantial computing power, then TCP/IP communication and Internet access are facilitated, but the need for additional protocol stacks increases programming overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The router is designed as a universal platform that performs multiple functions: it runs the TCP/IP stack for Internet access, handles protocol translation for various home automation protocols (Zigbee, Bluetooth, etc.), and provides gateway services. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate driver programs on personal computers and reduces programming overhead by consolidating all protocol handling in one device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional protocol stacks are implemented for communication with remote devices, then protocol-specific communication is enabled, but computing capability requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The router serves as an intermediary that maintains multiple protocol stacks internally but presents a unified simplified interface to low-powered devices. The router handles all complex protocol translation and conversion, allowing protocol compatibility across multiple standards without requiring the end devices to have substantial computing capability or run multiple protocol stacks.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for implementing a protocol-neutral middleware interface in a home area network. The method comprises receiving one or more data packets from a client device using a first communication protocol, and decoding the data packets into a set of platform independent data objects. The data packets are decoded into the platform independent data objects by utilizing a metadata mapping located within one or more field classes. The apparatus comprises a frame engine, and one or more field classes. The frame engine receives a data packet in a first communication protocol. The frame engine decodes the data packet into a set of platform independent data objects. The frame engine uses a metadata map contained within the one or more field classes to decode the data packet into the set of platform independent data objects.