Mesh Home Automation Terminals With Direct Point-to-Point Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home automation systems require a separate connection device, known as a bridge, which must be purchased and maintained, and is typically positioned to establish a wireless connection with the mesh network, complicating setup and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A home automation system where the connecting device communicates via a direct point-to-point connection, such as Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy, allowing direct communication between an operating device and terminal devices, eliminating the need for a separate bridge and enabling data conversion between point-to-point and mesh networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate connection device (bridge) is used to connect the operating device to the mesh network, then reliable communication is established, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection device functionality into the terminal devices themselves. Each terminal device is equipped with both mesh network communication capabilities and point-to-point communication capabilities (such as Bluetooth), eliminating the need for a separate bridge device. This integration reduces system complexity while maintaining reliable communication through the mesh network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
Terminal devices are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as endpoints for home automation control and as connection points for operating devices. The terminal devices can simultaneously participate in mesh network communication and establish direct point-to-point connections with smartphones or tablets, making the system more versatile and reducing the need for dedicated bridge hardware.
2Reliability
If a separate connection device (bridge) is used, then stable network connection is achieved, but cost and material requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection functionality is merged into existing terminal devices rather than requiring a separate bridge device. This reduces the total number of physical devices needed in the system while maintaining stable network connections through the mesh network's inherent redundancy and multiple communication paths.
Solution Approach 2:
Terminal devices provide self-service by acting as their own connection points. Each terminal device can independently establish point-to-point connections with operating devices and forward communications through the mesh network, eliminating the need for a centralized bridge device and reducing overall system material requirements.
3Reliability
If a separate connection device (bridge) is positioned to establish wireless connection, then mesh network access is enabled, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Terminal devices automatically provide connection functionality without requiring users to position or configure a separate bridge device. The system self-organizes the mesh network topology and automatically establishes communication paths, greatly simplifying setup and operation for end users while maintaining reliable mesh network connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its communication topology based on the positions of terminal devices and operating devices. Rather than requiring a fixed bridge position, the mesh network automatically routes communications through the most suitable terminal devices, making the system more flexible and easier to operate in various physical configurations.
4Ease of operation
If direct point-to-point connection is established between operating device and terminal device, then flexibility and ease of operation are improved, but communication protocol compatibility becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device acts as an intermediary between the operating device and the mesh network. It receives commands from the operating device via point-to-point connection (such as Bluetooth), converts or translates these commands into mesh network protocol format, and forwards them through the mesh network to the target terminal devices. This intermediary function handles protocol compatibility automatically, maintaining operational flexibility while managing protocol complexity behind the scenes.
Solution Approach 2:
Terminal devices are designed with universal communication capabilities, supporting both point-to-point protocols (like Bluetooth) and mesh network protocols simultaneously. This multi-functionality enables seamless protocol translation and interoperability between different device types and communication standards, making the system more flexible while managing protocol complexity through integrated design.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a home automation system comprising a plurality of terminals which communicate with one another via a mesh network, wherein the terminals are designed to perform home automation actions and/or to capture data needed for home automation. The system also comprises at least one connection device which is designed to communicate with the terminals via the mesh network. The system according to the invention is distinguished by the fact that the connection device is designed to communicate with an operating device via a direct point-to-point connection for the purpose of controlling home automation. The connection device is designed to allow communication preferably directly and/or without intermediate between the operating device and at least one terminal by virtue of the connection device forwarding data received from the operating device via the point-to-point connection to the corresponding terminal by means of the mesh network and/or forwarding data received from the corresponding terminal to the operating device by means of the point-to-point connection.