Pool And Spa Remote Control Without Static IP Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool and spa control systems require users to create firewall ports and utilize static IP addresses for Internet access, limiting flexibility and convenience, and do not allow for easy configuration of Wi-Fi networking devices without Ethernet cables or separate power, nor do they aggregate data for trend analysis or regional issue identification.
Innovation Solution
The system enables Internet access to pool and spa controllers without static IP addresses or firewall ports, allowing Wi-Fi configuration using USB or SD cards without Ethernet cables or separate power, and aggregates data for trend analysis and regional issue evaluation, enabling advanced warnings for equipment degradation and water-quality issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users configure Wi-Fi networking devices using traditional methods, then Internet access is achieved, but Ethernet cables and separate power sources are required, reducing installation flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection method (Ethernet cable) with a wireless configuration approach. The Wi-Fi networking device can be configured wirelessly by uploading configuration files to a web server accessible via mobile devices, eliminating the need for physical cable connections during setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service configuration where the Wi-Fi networking device automatically obtains configuration parameters from a web server. The device can configure itself by downloading settings through wireless communication without requiring manual setup or external power sources during configuration.
2Reliability
If static IP addresses and firewall ports are required for Internet access, then reliable controller access is achieved, but system complexity and security constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a web server as an intermediary between the Wi-Fi networking device and the pool/spa controller. Instead of directly accessing the controller through static IP addresses and open firewall ports, the web server mediates communications, providing a secure and simplified access mechanism that maintains reliability without requiring complex network configurations.
3Loss of information
If data is collected from pool and spa systems, then monitoring capability is achieved, but data aggregation and trend analysis capabilities are limited without centralized processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple data collection functions into a centralized web server that aggregates data from various pool and spa controllers. The web server consolidates information including operational data, error logs, and system status from multiple sources, enabling comprehensive monitoring and trend analysis in one centralized location rather than分散 across individual devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of (remotely) controlling aspects of pools and spas and of modifying water contained therein are detailed. Internet-enabled access to pool and spa controllers may happen without any need for users to create firewall ports or utilize static internet protocol addresses. Certain networking devices may be configured using a USB connection or SD card, avoiding any requirement for an Ethernet cable or supplying separate power to the devices during configuration. Time-varying data may be obtained in respect of one or more installations and analyzed for various information.