IoT Device Control App Framework via Config File
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Solution Overview
Problem
Developing IoT device control applications is a time-consuming and challenging process due to the need for writing complex code for user interfaces, device control logic, network communications, and other functionalities, leading to increased development time and potential errors.
Innovation Solution
An application development framework that generates device control applications with minimal or no coding by allowing developers to select graphics, screens, controls, and actions, and generates a configuration file specifying these resources and their relationships, enabling quick development of mobile applications for controlling IoT devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If developers write code manually for device control applications, then the application can be customized to specific requirements, but the development time increases and errors may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The framework performs preliminary actions by pre-defining standard workflows, user interface templates, and device control logic that can be directly applied to new applications. Developers can select from pre-configured workflows (e.g., device discovery, pairing, control) rather than writing code from scratch, significantly reducing development time while maintaining customization capabilities through configuration files.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses copying by providing template-based workflows and user interface components that can be replicated and adapted for different device control scenarios. The configuration file mechanism allows copying of standard patterns and structures, enabling developers to create customized applications by combining and modifying existing templates rather than writing unique code for each function.
2Reliability
If developers write comprehensive code for all functionalities, then the application can be robust and error-free, but the complexity of the coding process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The framework segments the complex application into modular components including standard workflows, user interface templates, and device control modules. Each segment handles a specific function (e.g., device discovery, authentication, control) and can be independently configured and tested. This segmentation reduces overall coding complexity by breaking down the monolithic application into manageable, pre-tested units.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration file acts as an intermediary between developer intentions and the actual application code. Instead of developers writing comprehensive code for all functionalities, they configure the application through high-level settings in the configuration file, which then generates or instantiates the necessary code components. This intermediary layer abstracts away the complexity of code generation while ensuring robustness through standardized implementations.
3Ease of manufacture
If the application framework provides comprehensive core functionalities, then development is simplified and errors are minimized, but the framework itself becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The framework achieves universality by designing a single configuration file-based system that can generate multiple types of applications for different devices and purposes. The same core framework handles diverse scenarios (light control, thermostat control, device monitoring) through configurable workflows, eliminating the need for separate frameworks for each application type. This multi-functionality simplifies development across different domains while managing framework complexity through unified architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments, a device control application reads a configuration file responsive to a first execution of the device control application on a mobile device. The mobile device parses the first configuration file to identify one or more supported devices, managed properties of each of the one or more supported devices, actions that indicate information about the managed properties, and controls associated with at least one of the one or more supported devices or the one or more managed properties, wherein a control causes a specified user input to generate a command to cause a managed property to have a specified value. The mobile device crates a first version of the device control application based on the configuration file during runtime of the device control application based on a result of the parsing. The mobile device then presents the first version of the device control application.