IoT Protocol Conversion Server for Unified Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electronic device control systems face challenges in managing and controlling IoT devices that operate on different communication standards, requiring multiple applications and separate servers, which increases complexity and costs for users and service providers.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device control system that uses an Open Connectivity Foundation (OCF) standard to convert control signals and status data between different communication formats, allowing a single application to control IoT devices operating on various standards by identifying device types and converting commands and status information accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple applications are installed to control different communication standards, then control capability for various IoT devices is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The server is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting both first format (legacy IoT) and second format (OCF) communication protocols simultaneously. The server includes a protocol detection unit that automatically identifies the device type and a protocol conversion unit that converts between formats, enabling a single server to control diverse IoT devices without requiring multiple separate applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary between the terminal device and various IoT devices with different communication standards. It receives control signals in one format, converts them to the appropriate format for the target device, and transmits them accordingly. This intermediary function eliminates the need for users to directly manage multiple applications for different protocols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversion is implemented, then adaptability to different communication standards is improved, but server complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server's protocol handling functionality is segmented into distinct modular units: a protocol detection unit that identifies device types based on communication formats, and a protocol conversion unit that performs format transformation. This segmentation allows the server to maintain clear organizational structure while supporting multiple protocols, making the complexity manageable and the system easier to maintain.
3Reliability
If separate servers are used for different standards, then reliability of control is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple separate servers (one for legacy IoT protocol and one for OCF protocol) into a single unified server. This consolidated server maintains reliable control by implementing both protocol support within one system, reducing the overall system complexity and eliminating the need for users to manage multiple separate server connections while preserving the reliability of controlling devices with different communication standards.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device control system is provided. The system includes an electronic device controlled by either a command in a first format or a command in a second format, a terminal device for transmitting a control signal for controlling the electronic device to an external server, and a server configured to, based on receiving the control signal from the external server, identify the type of the electronic device on the basis of the control signal, and based on the electronic device being a type of electronic device operating by a command in the first format, and the control signal including a command in the first format, transmit the control signal to the electronic device, and based on the electronic device being a type of electronic device operating by a command in the second format, and the control signal including a command in the first format, convert the command in the first formant included in the control signal into the second format, and transmit the control signal including the converted command to the electronic device.