IoT Hub Platform for Modular Device Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The adoption of IoT devices is hindered by issues related to connectivity, power supply, and lack of standardization, as developers must design entire IoT platforms from scratch, including network protocols and infrastructure, and existing solutions face challenges in connecting and powering devices in inconvenient locations.
Innovation Solution
A standardized IoT platform with a predefined networking protocol stack and an IoT hub that enables easy development and management of IoT devices, allowing for connectivity via cellular or WiFi, with ultra-low power devices using Bluetooth Low Energy and a hub that can be powered via AC, featuring a compact form factor and integrated USB ports for charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If developers design entire IoT platforms from scratch including network protocols and infrastructure, then device functionality and customization are improved, but development time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The IoT platform is segmented into modular components: network protocol stack, hub infrastructure, device drivers, and application layers. Developers can selectively implement only the modules needed for specific device functions rather than building entire platforms from scratch, reducing development complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal IoT platform framework that can support multiple device types and functions through standardized interfaces and protocols. The hub device serves multiple purposes including network gateway, device management, and data processing, allowing a single platform to handle diverse IoT applications without requiring separate custom developments.
2Reliability
If proprietary techniques are used for designing and connecting IoT devices, then device performance is optimized, but ease of operation and adoption of multiple device types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hub device acts as an intermediary between diverse IoT devices and the network. It provides standardized connection interfaces and protocol translation capabilities, allowing devices with proprietary techniques to communicate through a common gateway. This maintains device performance optimization while enabling easy adoption of multiple device types through unified management.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform supports dynamic parameter configuration for different device types and protocols. Connection parameters, data formats, and communication settings can be adjusted based on device requirements, allowing optimized performance for each device while maintaining ease of operation through automated parameter management and standardized interfaces.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If AC outlets are required to power IoT devices, then power availability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inconvenient location of outlets
Solution Approach 1:
The hub device serves as a power intermediary, receiving AC power from convenient locations and distributing it to IoT devices through its USB ports. This allows devices to be placed in optimal locations for their function rather than being constrained by outlet locations, improving installation convenience while maintaining power availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power distribution system transitions from wall-based AC outlets to hub-based USB power distribution. This dimensional change in power delivery allows flexible device placement throughout the environment, decoupling device location from electrical infrastructure and significantly improving installation convenience.
4Reliability
If cellular connectivity is used for IoT devices, then connectivity reliability is improved, but use of energy increases due to cellular radio power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The hub device with cellular radio acts as a connectivity intermediary. Battery-powered IoT devices communicate via low-energy Bluetooth to the hub, which then handles cellular communication for network connectivity. This allows devices to maintain connectivity reliability through the hub's cellular connection while minimizing their own energy consumption by using energy-efficient Bluetooth for device-to-hub communication.
Data Source
AI summary
A platform, apparatus and method for Internet of Things Implementations for controlling electronic equipment. For example, one embodiment of a system comprises: an Internet of Things (IoT) hub comprising a network interface to couple the IoT hub to an IoT service over a wide area network (WAN), and at least one IoT device communicatively coupled to the IoT hub over a wireless communication channel, the IoT device comprising an infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF) blaster to control specified electronics equipment via IR or RF communication with the electronics equipment, the IoT device further comprising at least one sensor to detect current conditions associated with the operation of the electronics equipment, the IoT device to transmit an indication of the current conditions to the IoT hub over the wireless communication channel; and the IoT hub comprising a remote control code database to store remote control codes usable to control the electronics equipment, the IoT hub further comprising control logic to generate remote control commands using the remote control codes, the remote control commands selected by the control logic in response to the current conditions and input from an end user provided via a user device, the IoT hub to transmit the commands to the IoT device over the wireless communication channel; and the IoT device to responsively transmit the commands to the electronics equipment to control the electronics equipment.