Mesh Network Communication Module for Smart Home Device Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low-power, personal area networks are complex for consumers to configure and manage, often requiring professional installation, especially with the increasing number of devices and configurations in smart home environments.
Innovation Solution
A consumer product device with a communication module that enables ad hoc mesh networking, using both room-limited and room-transparent communication technologies, allowing devices to join and leave networks, and equipped with sensors to track consumable product levels and trigger actions, simplifying network setup and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication technologies and device configurations are integrated into consumer products, then device functionality and versatility are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between the complex network infrastructure and end-user devices. This gateway automatically handles network configuration, device discovery, and communication protocol translation, shielding users from complexity while enabling versatile device integration across multiple communication technologies (Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic device discovery, self-registration, and self-configuration capabilities. When new devices are added to the network, they automatically register with the gateway, which assigns appropriate network parameters and integrates them into the existing network topology without requiring manual user configuration
2Reliability
If professional installation and authentication procedures are implemented for network devices, then network reliability and security are improved, but ease of operation and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway performs preliminary authentication and security configuration automatically during device registration. Security credentials, network parameters, and authorization tokens are pre-configured and automatically exchanged during the device addition process, ensuring security requirements are met before devices become operational
Solution Approach 2:
Devices automatically perform mutual authentication with the gateway using pre-shared keys or certificate-based mechanisms. The system handles security protocol negotiation, credential verification, and secure channel establishment autonomously without requiring user intervention or professional installer expertise
Data Source
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AI summary
A consumer product device has a consumer product, a communication module capable of communicating in a mesh network, and a power connector electrically coupled to the communication module.