NFC-Configured Home Automation Devices for Mesh Network Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home automation devices require complex and skilled intervention for network addition and configuration, necessitating a management device or computer to modify configurations, making user-friendly setup challenging.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an NFC chip in home automation devices allowing configuration through a mobile device with NFC connection and a dedicated application, enabling easy recognition and configuration within a network, sharing of parameters, and automatic network composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a management device or computer is provided to store and modify device configuration, then the configuration can be managed, but the operation complexity increases and requires qualified installer intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the user and the home automation device configuration. The mobile device runs a dedicated application that communicates with the automation device via NFC, serving as a mediator that simplifies the configuration process while maintaining reliable configuration management capabilities. This resolves the contradiction by providing configuration management without requiring direct complex computer-based management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional computer-based configuration system with an NFC-based mobile device interface. Instead of using complex computer software and manual configuration procedures, the system uses NFC wireless communication to transfer configuration data, substituting a simplified mobile interface for the complex computer-based mechanical system.
2Reliability
If traditional wireless interfaces are used for device connection, then network connectivity is achieved, but the configuration process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring devices with unique identifiers and communication parameters during manufacturing. The NFC interface is pre-programmed with device identity information, allowing for rapid configuration during installation without time-consuming manual setup. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining network connectivity while dramatically reducing configuration time.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual configuration procedures are used, then device setup can be performed, but skilled intervention is required and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service configuration where the home automation device automatically receives its configuration data through NFC communication with a mobile device. The device autonomously processes the configuration information without requiring skilled manual intervention, allowing end-users to perform setup independently. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining device setup capability while eliminating the need for skilled intervention.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Home automation device (10) comprising an automation module (12) associated with a memory unit (15), an NFC-type communication module (16) and a wireless transceiver (18), said home automation device (10) being configurable either through the wireless transceiver (18) or through the NFC-type communication module (16) with which it is provided, by writing one or more table(s) stored in the memory unit (15), said home automation device (10) being connectable through the wireless transceiver (18) to at least two home automation devices (10) in a mesh-type network.