IoT Control App Dynamic Configuration for New Device Types
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IoT control apps require lengthy updates through online application marketplaces to support new IoT device types, which can take weeks and necessitate user interaction, making real-time support of newly introduced devices challenging.
Innovation Solution
An IoT control app dynamically configures to support new device types by wirelessly pairing with the device, scanning a codeword or QR code to obtain metadata, and acquiring UI elements and control logic directly from the device or a network server, enabling immediate support without compiling new code.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the IoT control app updates through the online application marketplace, then the app can support new IoT device types, but the update process takes weeks and requires user interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration where the IoT control app automatically adapts to new device types by receiving and processing device metadata in real-time. The system dynamically generates UI elements and control logic based on device-specific metadata without requiring manual app updates, enabling the app to evolve continuously as new devices are introduced.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the IoT control app automatically discovers new devices, retrieves their metadata, and configures itself to support the new device types. This eliminates the need for users to manually update the app through marketplaces, and the system autonomously handles the entire configuration process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the IoT control app updates through the online application marketplace, then the app can support new IoT device types, but the update process requires user interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the IoT control app automatically discovers new devices, retrieves their metadata, and configures itself to support the new device types. This eliminates the need for users to manually update the app through marketplaces, and the system autonomously handles the entire configuration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing device metadata and pre-configuring UI elements before the user needs to interact with the new device. The app proactively retrieves and processes device information as soon as the device joins the network, so when the user attempts to control the device, everything is already configured and ready.
3Adaptability or versatility
If new code is compiled to support new device types, then the IoT control app can control the devices, but the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of compiling new code, the system changes parameters by dynamically generating and applying configuration data based on device metadata. The app modifies its behavior and UI by processing metadata parameters that describe the new device, allowing rapid adaptation without compilation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses copying by retrieving and copying existing UI element templates and control logic patterns from a library and adapting them to the new device type. Rather than writing new code from scratch, the system copies and modifies existing proven patterns, significantly accelerating the configuration process.
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AI summary
A method and system for dynamically configuring an Internet of Things (IoT) control application of a first device to support controlling of a second device. An example method includes a computing system detecting that the second device has a device type that the IoT control application of the first device is not currently configured to support controlling. Further, the example method includes, responsive to at least the detecting, the computing system causing the IoT control application of the first device to be provisioned with a set of user interface (UI) elements associated with the device type, where the IoT control application of the first device being provisioned with the set of UI elements associated with the device type enables the IoT control application of the first device to support controlling of the second device.