Multiprotocol IoT Gateway Voice Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional IoT devices face challenges in communicating across different wireless protocols, leading to the 'basket of remotes' problem, where multiple gateways are needed, and implementing software to enable communication between devices with various protocols is complex, especially for voice-controlled devices operating on local networks.
Innovation Solution
The development of multiprotocol audio/voice internet-of-things (IoT) devices (MAVID) that integrate multiple wireless communication modules, such as WiFi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, and 3G/4G, with a multipoint control unit (MCU) and digital signal processor (DSP) to manage concurrent use of protocols, enabling voice-controlled communication across various wireless standards without the need for unique software applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a unique software application is installed on an IoT device to enable communication with devices having different wireless protocols, then interoperability between different protocols is improved, but device complexity and software implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal gateway device that can communicate with multiple different wireless protocols simultaneously. The gateway includes multiple radio frequency modules, each supporting different protocols (WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc.), allowing a single device to replace multiple protocol-specific gateways and enable cross-protocol communication without requiring complex software installations on individual IoT devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway acts as an intermediary device between IoT devices using different protocols. It receives data from one protocol, translates it, and transmits it through the appropriate protocol to the target device. This mediator approach simplifies the system architecture by centralizing protocol translation functionality in the gateway rather than requiring complex software on each endpoint device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple gateways are used to connect IoT devices with different wireless protocols, then protocol compatibility is improved, but system complexity and number of devices increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple protocol support into a single gateway device. Instead of deploying separate gateways for WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and other protocols, the invention integrates all these protocol capabilities into one unified gateway with multiple radio frequency modules, thereby reducing the total number of gateway devices needed in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway is designed as a multi-functional device that can simultaneously handle multiple wireless protocols. Each radio frequency module is configured to support a specific protocol, and the gateway's processor coordinates communication across all modules, enabling one device to perform the function of what would traditionally require multiple separate gateways.
3Ease of operation
If voice control algorithms are re-implemented to accommodate additional protocols, then voice control functionality is maintained, but development time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device automatically detects the protocol being used by connected IoT devices and autonomously manages the translation and routing of commands. The voice control system does not require manual re-implementation for each protocol because the gateway handles protocol-specific adaptations automatically, allowing the voice recognition algorithms to remain protocol-agnostic and reducing development time.
4Adaptability or versatility
If IoT devices operating on local networks are equipped with multiple protocol modules, then protocol versatility is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway serves as an intermediary that provides protocol translation capabilities externally to simple IoT devices. Individual IoT devices need only support their native protocol, while the gateway handles the complexity of multiple protocols. This approach allows local network devices to remain simple and cost-effective while still achieving multi-protocol interoperability through the gateway mediator.
Data Source
AI summary
A system of multiprotocol audio/voice devices includes a plurality of consumer electronic multiprotocol audio/voice devices and a wearable multiprotocol audio/voice device accessible by a user. The wearable multiprotocol audio/voice device may determine wireless protocols acceptable by the plurality of consumer electronic multiprotocol audio/voice devices, and the user may control the plurality of consumer electronic multiprotocol audio/voice devices by the wearable multiprotocol audio/voice device without requiring a unique application. The wearable multiprotocol audio/voice device includes a package housing a digital signal processor (DSP), wireless communication modules, and a multipoint control unit (MCU) coupled to the DSP and the wireless communication modules. The DSP is coupled to a microphone and configured to provide voice control signals to the MCU. The wireless communication modules are coupled to antennas. The MCU enables wireless radio frequency (RF) communication links over the wireless protocols.