Multi-Source Smart-Home Control Across Cloud Platforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart-home devices controlled by different cloud-based server systems present challenges in unified control due to varying capabilities and server systems, leading to inefficiencies in managing multiple devices from different manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
A smart-home controller device integrates control of multiple cloud-based smart-home devices by grouping them based on shared functions and locations, allowing unified control through a single input, and supporting voice-based commands to manage common functions across devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single controller device controls various smart-home devices from different manufacturers via different cloud-based server systems, then unified control capability is improved, but device complexity and technical challenges increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between the controller device and multiple smart-home devices from different manufacturers. The gateway translates and routes commands between different cloud-based server systems, enabling unified control without requiring the controller to directly manage each device's proprietary system, thus reducing technical complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device is designed with universal functionality to communicate with multiple different cloud-based server systems and various types of smart-home devices. It performs multiple functions including protocol translation, command routing, and device registration, allowing a single device to handle diverse control requirements across different manufacturers' ecosystems
2Ease of operation
If smart-home devices are grouped by common functions across different cloud systems, then ease of operation is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple server integrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into distinct functional layers: the controller device handles user interaction and high-level commands, the gateway manages device grouping and cross-system coordination, and individual smart-home devices execute specific functions. This segmentation allows devices to be grouped by function across different cloud systems while distributing complexity across multiple specialized components
3Adaptability or versatility
If devices from different manufacturers with varying capabilities are integrated, then adaptability is improved, but reliability of unified control deteriorates due to compatibility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device dynamically adjusts communication parameters including protocols, data formats, and authentication methods based on the target device's requirements. This parameter adaptation allows reliable communication with devices from different manufacturers while maintaining consistent control behavior, resolving compatibility issues without sacrificing reliability
Data Source
AI summary
Various arrangements for integrating control of multiple cloud-based smart-home devices are presented. Registration information may be received for a first and second smart-home device that are controlled using different cloud-based server systems. A determination may be made that that the first smart-home device and the second smart-home device share a common function. The first smart-home device and the second smart-home device may be assigned to a common operating characteristic group based on the common function being shared by the first smart-home device and the second smart-home device. A control element may be provided that allows for control of smart-home devices with the common operating characteristic group. The control element may be used to control the common function.