Networked Control System Behavior Alteration via Abstract Logic

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current networked control systems, such as LonWorks, require a detailed technical understanding to alter or add control logic, making it complex for users to change or integrate device behavior, especially for non-technical users.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of abstract control logic programs (ACLPs) allows users to select and implement new behaviors by choosing from a list, automating the integration process through a user-friendly interface that generates and uploads necessary code to devices, eliminating the need for deep technical knowledge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If control logic is altered or added in state-of-the-art networked control systems, then the system behavior can be changed to integrate new devices, but the process becomes complex and requires detailed technical understanding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to alter control logicVSAvoidcomplexity of altering control logic
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary device (portable device with processor and memory) that mediates between the user and the networked control system. This intermediary automatically generates control logic programs based on user selections, eliminating the need for users to directly manipulate complex control logic and thereby reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing users to automatically integrate new devices and alter control logic without requiring technical expertise. The portable device automatically performs code generation, compilation, and upload to the networked control system, making the system self-configuring and reducing the complexity burden on users

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If control logic programs are manually created and uploaded, then device behavior can be changed, but the process requires specialized knowledge and increases time consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to change device behaviorVSAvoidtime for integrating devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing multiple control logic programs in the portable device's memory before integration is needed. When a user wants to integrate a device, they simply select from pre-available programs, and the system automatically generates and uploads the appropriate code, eliminating time-consuming manual programming and accelerating the integration process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/manual process of control logic creation and upload with an automated electronic system. The portable device's processor automatically generates, compiles, and uploads control logic programs to the networked control system based on user selections, substituting manual technical operations with automated electronic processes that reduce time and eliminate the need for specialized knowledge

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2310920B1Method and apparatus for altering the behavior of a networked control system
Publication Date: 2019.04.17 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • EP2310920B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2310920B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2310920B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to altering the behavior of a networked control system such as the integrating of a device such as a light unit or a light switch in a networked control system such as a networked lighting system. An embodiment of the invention provides a method for altering the behavior of a networked control system, which comprises several devices, wherein the method comprises the steps of - selecting an abstract control logic program from a list of several abstract control logic programs (SlO), - transmitting a message for requesting replies from devices (S 12), - waiting for receiving a reply from at least one device (S 14), - displaying the profile of at least one device of the devices (S 16), from which replies were received, - waiting for a selection of at least one device from the displayed profiles (S 18), - generating code establishing the behavior of the selected abstract control logic program for the selected one or more devices (S20), and - uploading the generated code to one or more devices in the networked control system such that the selected devices will behave according to the selected abstract control logic program (S22). The invention allows creating a behavior alteration procedure for a networked control system, which is very intuitive for users, who merely have to perform some easy and comfortable interactions such as selecting the abstract control logic program.