Peer-to-Peer Building Automation for Secure Function Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional building automation systems rely on centralized server-client structures, which are costly, complex, and insecure, particularly due to the need for high security measures to protect user data and the inability to update function modules in a simple and secure manner.
Innovation Solution
A peer-to-peer network-based building automation system where appliance devices can receive and operate with second function modules provided by a peer-to-peer application, eliminating the need for a central server and enabling secure, demand-driven function changes and updates without interrupting system operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a centralized server-client structure is used to manage building automation systems, then control and management functions can be centralized, but transaction costs increase and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized control system into distributed peer-to-peer nodes. Each appliance device becomes an independent peer with its own controller, eliminating the need for a central server. This segmentation reduces system complexity by distributing functions across multiple independent units rather than requiring a complex centralized architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having a central server control appliance devices (traditional client-server model), the patent inverts the relationship by enabling appliance devices to directly communicate and control each other through peer-to-peer connections. This inversion eliminates the central authority and reduces both transaction costs and system complexity.
2Reliability
If a centralized server structure is used to protect user data, then security measures can be implemented centrally, but high security costs and vulnerabilities remain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes data storage and security functions across multiple peer nodes instead of concentrating them in a central server. Each peer device stores and protects its own data locally, eliminating the single point of failure and reducing the complexity of centralized security infrastructure while enhancing overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each appliance device in the peer-to-peer network manages its own security and data protection autonomously without requiring centralized security management. This self-service approach reduces the complexity of security infrastructure while maintaining or enhancing security through distributed validation and consensus mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If function modules are updated through a central server, then updates can be managed centrally, but the system requires continuous connection to the server and updates may interrupt operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables appliance devices to download and store function modules in advance from any peer in the network, not just when updates are needed. This preliminary action allows devices to have update capabilities ready beforehand, eliminating the need for continuous server connections and preventing operational interruptions during updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a distributed file system as an intermediary that allows peer devices to share function modules directly without requiring a central server. This intermediary enables updates to be obtained from any peer in the network, simplifying the update process and eliminating dependency on continuous server connections.
4Productivity
If a central server manages the building automation system, then coordination between devices can be centralized, but transaction costs and operational dependencies increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized coordination function into distributed peer-to-peer interactions. Each device can directly coordinate with other devices without routing through a central server, eliminating transaction delays and reducing the time lost to centralized processing while maintaining effective system-wide coordination.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a building automation system (200, 300, 400, 600) comprising at least one first appliance device (204, 304.1, 304.2, 304.3. 404.1, 404.2, 404.3) comprising at least one actor (218, 318.1, 318.2) and/or at least one sensor (320.1, 320.2), wherein the first appliance device (204, 304.1, 304.2, 304.3. 404.1, 404.2, 404.3) comprises at least one first function module (222.1, 322.1), wherein the first appliance device (204, 304.1, 304.2, 304.3. 404.1, 404.2, 404.3) is configured to operate in accordance with the first function module (222.1, 322.1) in order to provide at least one first function, at least one peer-to-peer network (226, 326, 426, 626) comprising at least one peer-to-peer application (224, 324, 424, 524), at least one peer-to-peer module (230, 330) assigned to the first appliance device (204, 304.1, 304.2, 304.3. 404.1, 404.2, 404.3) and configured to communicate with the peer-to-peer application (224, 324, 424, 524), wherein the peer-to-peer application (224, 324, 424, 524) comprises at least one controlling means (227, 327, 527) configured to provide at least one second function module (222.2, 322.2) to the first appliance device (204, 304.1, 304.2, 304.3. 404.1, 404.2, 404.3) by means of the peer-to-peer module (230, 330) assigned to the first appliance device (204, 304.1, 304.2, 304.3. 404.1, 404.2, 404.3), and wherein first appliance device (204, 304.1, 304.2, 304.3. 404.1, 404.2, 404.3) is configured to operate in accordance with the second function module (222.2, 322.2) in order to provide at least one second function.