Modular Protocol Controller for Unified Home Security Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current home security, monitoring, and automation systems require separate programming and control, limiting flexibility and versatility, and are often tied to proprietary architectures when coupled together.
Innovation Solution
A single platform controller with modular communication interfaces that allows users to configure and communicate with various security, monitoring, and automation devices, functioning as a bidirectional Internet gateway, enabling adaptable and flexible control through removable modules and a configurable architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate programming and control stations are used for each security, monitoring, and automation protocol, then each protocol can be properly controlled and monitored, but the system complexity increases and flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple protocol-specific control and monitoring functions into a single integrated controller. This controller includes a processor that can execute multiple communication protocols simultaneously, allowing one device to perform the functions that previously required separate stations for each protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated controller is designed with universal functionality to handle various security, monitoring, and automation protocols through a single device. The processor can be configured to support different protocols, making the controller adaptable to multiple applications without requiring protocol-specific dedicated hardware.
2Reliability
If separate control stations are used for each protocol, then each protocol operates independently, but the quantity of equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple protocol control functions are merged into a single physical controller device. The integrated controller consolidates what would otherwise be separate control stations into one unit, reducing the total quantity of equipment while maintaining the ability to independently manage different protocols through software configuration.
3Reliability
If proprietary architectures are used for coupled security and automation systems, then system integration is achieved, but adaptability and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The controller employs a universal architecture with a programmable processor that can adapt to different protocols and device types. This allows the system to integrate various security and automation devices from different manufacturers and protocols while maintaining flexibility to add or modify functionality as needed, rather than being locked into a proprietary ecosystem.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller features dynamic configurability where the processor can be programmed to support different protocols and communication methods. This dynamic nature allows the system to adapt its behavior and supported devices based on configuration, providing both integration capability and versatility without being constrained by fixed proprietary architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A single platform for controller functionality for each of security, monitoring and automation, as well as providing a capacity to function as a bidirectional Internet gateway, is provided. Embodiments of the present invention provide such functionality by virtue of a configurable architecture that enables a user to adapt the system for the user's specific needs. Embodiments of the present invention further provide such functionality by providing for installation of removable, modular communication adapters for communication with a variety of devices external to the security, monitoring and automation controller.