Multi-Network Wireless Module Selection for Cloud Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Many users of living home appliances do not connect these appliances to a control cloud, preventing effective control and utilization of advanced cloud-based features.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes multiple wireless communication modules that connect to a server via different networks, with a storage for communication characteristics, an acquirer for communication information, an identifier for selecting a suitable communication module based on characteristics, and a controller to establish communication with the server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus includes multiple wireless communication modules for different networks, then the adaptability to connect to various networks is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into multiple independent wireless communication modules, each capable of operating on different networks (Wi-Fi, LPWA, etc.). This allows the apparatus to connect to various networks without requiring a single complex multi-network module, thereby improving adaptability while keeping individual modules relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed with universal communication capability by integrating multiple wireless communication modules that can operate on different networks. The controller universally manages these modules to establish connections based on network availability, making the apparatus adaptable to various network environments without requiring different hardware designs.
2Ease of operation
If the apparatus automatically selects communication modules based on network characteristics, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs self-service by automatically detecting available networks, evaluating network characteristics (such as LPWA network identification), and selecting appropriate communication modules without user intervention. The controller autonomously manages the connection establishment process, eliminating the need for manual network configuration while keeping the automation logic relatively simple through characteristic-based selection.
3Loss of energy
If the apparatus uses LPWA networks for communication, then the loss of energy is reduced, but the speed of communication decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system dynamically adapts its operation mode based on the selected network type. When LPWA networks are selected for energy-efficient operation, the system adjusts its communication parameters accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows the apparatus to optimize power consumption on LPWA networks while maintaining the ability to switch to higher-speed networks when speed is prioritized, resolving the contradiction between energy loss and communication speed.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus (10C) includes a plurality of wireless communication modules (101A, 101B, and 101C) for connecting apparatus (10C) to a server that manages the apparatus (10C) via a plurality of networks different from one another; storage (103) that stores, for each of the networks, a characteristic regarding communication; acquirer (105) that acquires communication information indicating, for each of communication modules (101A, 101B, and 10C), whether communication via the communication module is possible; identifier (106) that identifies a specific communication module from among communication modules (101A, 101B, and 101C), the specific communication module being indicated by the communication information as being a communication module via which communication is possible, and being selected based on the characteristic; and controller (104) that causes the specific communication module identified by identifier (106) to connect to the server to enable communication.