Multi-Mode Security Control Network Device Discovery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home automation systems face limitations due to incompatible user interfaces, unreliable power line carrier systems, and inflexible control network configurations, which hinder efficient control of diverse appliances and devices without requiring extensive reconfiguration or additional wiring.
Innovation Solution
A wireless control network system that enables device discovery and multi-mode security through system-level and application-level instructions, allowing controlled devices to transmit preferred device drivers and configure security modes, including encrypted communication, to facilitate seamless integration and secure control of various appliances without altering existing infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a power line carrier system is used for home automation, then existing electrical wiring can be utilized without additional wiring, but the system reliability is degraded by power line noise and signal attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a microcontroller-based intermediary device that interfaces between the power line carrier system and the controlled appliances. This intermediary processes and validates signals, filtering out noise and compensating for attenuation effects, thereby maintaining system reliability while utilizing existing power wiring infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts signal parameters such as frequency, amplitude, and modulation depth based on detected power line conditions. By changing these parameters in real-time, the system adapts to varying noise levels and attenuation characteristics, maintaining reliable communication over the power line infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate and incompatible user interfaces are used for each appliance, then each device can be controlled independently, but user effort and time required to control devices increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal remote control system with a microcontroller that can interface with multiple types of appliances through standardized protocols. The system maintains compatibility with various device types while providing unified control, eliminating the need for users to learn multiple separate interfaces and reducing control time significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the microcontroller receives status information from controlled appliances and adjusts control signals accordingly. This feedback loop enables intelligent automation and reduces the time users need to spend manually controlling devices by automating routine adjustments based on sensor data.
3Adaptability or versatility
If infrared remote controls are used, then a single control can operate multiple audio-visual devices, but the system cannot control lights, HVAC, telephone lines, relay-controlled devices, or devices with electrical serial data ports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a microcontroller-based control system that integrates multiple communication protocols including infrared, power line carrier, and electrical serial data port interfaces within a single device. This universal controller can operate audio-visual equipment, lights, HVAC systems, and relay-controlled devices through one unified interface, expanding control range without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple communication technologies and control functions into a single integrated microcontroller platform. By combining infrared transmitters, power line carrier modems, and serial communication interfaces in one device, the system achieves broad appliance compatibility while managing complexity through integrated circuit design rather than separate control systems.
4Ease of manufacture
If X-10 devices are used with power line carrier communication, then existing electrical outlets can be utilized, but data transmission rates are slow and response time is not critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic communication system that adapts transmission speed and protocol based on the specific appliance being controlled and the urgency of the command. For time-critical applications, the microcontroller switches to higher-speed protocols or direct electrical connections, while maintaining compatibility with slower power line carrier communication for non-critical functions, thus improving overall data transmission speed without sacrificing installation ease.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for device discovery and multi-mode security in a wired and/or wireless control network are described. A controlled device is configured with discovery-level instructions and application-level control instructions. The controlled device includes a user-configurable parameter for selecting between multiple security modes. In one or more security modes, the controlled device may ignore application-level messages until encrypted communications are established with a controller. In one mode, the encrypted communication is established with an encryption key exchange using a predetermined security key. In another mode, a specific key is manually entered into the controller by the user/administrator to facilitate the encryption key exchange. Additionally, for control applications where security is not important, an unencrypted security mode may be implemented. A driver ID provided by the controlled device facilitates loading of a preferred device driver by the controller.