Neighboring Home-Control Network Paths for Cross-Network Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the number of controllable devices in a home-control network increases, user interaction becomes increasingly complex, necessitating a simplification of user interaction while still utilizing complex device interactions.
Innovation Solution
A cloud server aggregates data from multiple home-control networks, using weather information, location data, and social media to automatically control devices such as water valves, by sending commands based on learned behaviors and user preferences, and implementing load-shedding behaviors to optimize energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of controllable devices in the home-control network increases, then the functionality and device interactions become more comprehensive, but the user interaction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables devices to automatically control each other based on pre-configured rules and conditions. For example, when a motion sensor detects movement, it automatically triggers the light switch to turn on lights, eliminating the need for manual user intervention and simplifying operation while maintaining comprehensive device interactions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (controller or hub) that manages device interactions and rules. This intermediary processes sensor information, evaluates conditions, and automatically executes appropriate device actions, shielding users from the complexity of direct device-to-device interactions while enabling sophisticated automation scenarios
2Reliability
If local home-control networks operate independently, then network simplicity is maintained, but the ability to utilize broader context information and learn from other networks is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where the home-control network serves dual purposes: it operates autonomously as a local control system while simultaneously connecting to a broader network to exchange data and learn from other installations. This allows the system to maintain its core autonomous functionality while gaining additional capabilities through network connectivity, such as accessing weather information, traffic patterns, and learning from other users' configurations
Data Source
AI summary
A method of storing a communication path between neighboring home-control networks is provided. Each home-control network includes a network controller and a plurality of network devices. Each network device is configured to transmit and receive messages using at least one of powerline signaling and radio frequency signaling. A server receives a notification from a first network controller indicating that a first network device within a first home-control network received a message transmitted from a second network device within a second home-control network. The server stores an indication of a communication path from the server to the first network device via the second home-control network in a memory of the server.