M2M Communication for Multi-User Smart Home Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network-controllable device automation systems struggle to coordinate actions among multiple users, as they are typically controlled based on a single user's location, leading to inefficiencies when multiple users are present in the same environment, such as a residence with guests or tenants.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication between network-controllable devices and security systems, allowing the combined knowledge of multiple Smart Devices and Networks (SDNs) to trigger actions based on the combined states of all SDNs, including security modes and presence sensors, to manage actions such as lighting and HVAC settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automation actions are triggered based on a single user's location, then the system is simple to control, but it becomes inefficient when multiple users are present in the same environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple Smart Devices and Networks (SDNs) into a unified system that shares contextual information. The security system and network-controllable devices are merged into a single automated response framework, where the security system's mode (armed/disarmed) and presence sensor data are combined to trigger coordinated actions across multiple devices, resolving the contradiction by enabling multi-user efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The security system serves multiple functions: it not only provides security monitoring but also acts as a trigger mechanism for home automation. By making the security system universal—capable of both security functions and automation triggering—the patent enables efficient multi-user control without adding separate complex control systems, thus improving productivity while managing device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If network-controllable devices operate independently without M2M communication, then each device is simple to manage, but coordinated automation actions cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-based server as an intermediary that facilitates M2M communication between the security system and network-controllable devices. This intermediary handles the complex communication protocols and data processing, allowing devices to coordinate effectively without each device needing direct complex communication infrastructure, thus enabling adaptability while managing complexity at the intermediary level
3Loss of energy
If security system mode changes trigger automated actions, then energy efficiency is improved, but the system requires integration between multiple SDNs
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated energy-saving actions that execute themselves based on security system state changes. When the security system transitions to armed mode, the network-controllable devices automatically adjust their states (e.g., turning off lights, adjusting thermostats) without requiring manual intervention or complex real-time monitoring infrastructure, thus improving energy efficiency while managing integration complexity through rule-based automation
Data Source
AI summary
A requirement exists for machine-to-machine communications between the multiple Smart Devices and Networks (SDNs) a user has without in today's environment of ubiquitous electronically enabled devices, sub-systems, systems, and networks. For example, a user's SDNs may include a multitude of network-controllable devices and networked interfaced devices within an environment of wired and wireless networks and a security system. The combined data/knowledge of these multiple SDNs can be employed to trigger actions for one or more SDNs based upon the combined states of all the SDNs. However, rather than requiring users purchase and install new systems and devices remote cloud based analytics, rule engines, etc. are employed to provide many users with smart home or office automation.