Hub Device Load Balancing via Suitability Scoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart home environments face challenges in managing associations between accessory devices and hub devices, particularly in load balancing and leader device management, due to varying features, capabilities, and processing loads, which can lead to inefficiencies and dropped connections.
Innovation Solution
A user device acts as a leader to assign accessory devices to hub devices based on suitability scores calculated by comparing accessory traits with hub attributes, and can reassigned or transfer leadership to another device if processing loads become unsustainable, ensuring optimal resource allocation and connection stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single hub device manages all accessory devices, then the system structure is simple, but the hub device experiences high processing load and connection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized hub device into multiple distributed hub devices that can independently manage accessory devices. Each hub device handles a subset of accessories, segmenting the processing load and improving connection reliability through distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic leader election and reassignment mechanisms where hub devices can transition between active and standby roles based on processing load and system conditions, allowing the architecture to adapt dynamically while maintaining distributed management.
2Productivity
If accessory devices are assigned to hub devices based on simple criteria, then the assignment process is fast, but the suitability and performance of connections deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores compatibility scores between different accessory-hub combinations based on their capabilities and requirements. When assignment is needed, the pre-computed data enables fast lookup and selection without real-time complex calculations, balancing speed and suitability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where connection performance is continuously monitored and used to refine future assignment decisions. The system learns from actual performance data to improve assignment accuracy over time while maintaining efficient operation.
3Device complexity
If a leader device manages hub device assignments, then the management structure is centralized and simple, but the leader device experiences high processing load and becomes a single point of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables multiple hub devices to potentially act as leaders, with each capable of managing accessory assignments. This multi-functionality eliminates the single point of failure while maintaining a relatively simple management structure through role flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automatic leader election and failover mechanisms where hub devices can autonomously determine leadership status and transfer roles based on system conditions, reducing the need for complex centralized management while improving reliability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If hub devices maintain fixed connection slots for accessories, then the system is stable and predictable, but the adaptability to changing conditions and load balancing capabilities deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic connection slot allocation where hub devices can adjust their capacity and reassign accessories based on real-time processing load and system conditions, enabling load balancing while maintaining operational stability through controlled transitions.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for managing the connection assignments of a plurality of accessory devices to one or more hub devices. In one example, a user device acting as a leader device receives an assignment request from an accessory device. The user device may obtain information corresponding to hub attributes from the one or more hub devices. The user device may also obtain accessory traits from the accessory device. The user device can compare the accessory traits with the hub attributes to determine a connection score for each hub device. The user device can then assign the accessory device to the hub device with the highest connection score.