Master-Slave RF Control System for Sequential Device Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home automation systems are cumbersome and time-consuming to operate, limiting user-friendly control of multiple devices and daily comfort benefits.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a master unit and slave units for radio frequency communication, with the master unit capable of sequential control signal transmission, including timing and initiation indications, and application programs for routine and event-based operations, allowing for simplified and flexible control of controllable devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a plurality of devices are controlled using prior art systems with group configuration, then devices can be operated simultaneously, but the user must operate the remote control multiple times and the system becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically executing a sequence of control signals in advance. When a user activates a single button, the master unit retrieves a pre-programmed sequence and automatically transmits control signals to multiple slave units in the correct order, eliminating the need for users to manually operate each device individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The master unit acts as an intermediary between the user and multiple slave units. It receives a single activation signal from the user and automatically manages the complex task of transmitting multiple control signals to different slave units in sequence, shielding the user from the complexity of controlling multiple devices.
2Extent of automation
If sequential transmission of control signals is implemented, then automated control of multiple devices is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: a master unit that manages sequence execution and signal transmission, and multiple slave units that execute specific control commands. This segmentation allows the complex automation task to be distributed, with the master unit handling intelligence and the slave units handling execution, thereby managing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The master unit serves as an intermediary that absorbs and manages the complexity of sequential control logic, timing mechanisms, and signal routing. The slave units remain relatively simple devices that only need to receive and execute commands, thus the complexity is centralized in the master unit rather than distributed across all devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If timing means are added for delayed and real-time execution, then flexible scheduling is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The timing mechanism is implemented dynamically, allowing the system to switch between different execution modes (immediate execution, delayed execution, periodic execution) based on the specific application requirements. The master unit can adaptively adjust timing parameters without requiring hardware changes, providing flexibility while managing complexity through software-based control.
Data Source
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AI summary
System comprising at least one master unit and a plurality of slave units, wherein said master unit and said slave units comprise means for performing communication via radio frequency channels. The at least one master unit comprises means for transmitting control signals to said slave units, and the slave units are each provided with a unique address and are each associated with a controllable device. The at least one master unit comprises means for executing a sequential transmission of control signals to at least one of said slave units.