Protocol Bridge for Home Network Interoperability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current home network protocols such as UPnP, AV/C, and ECHONET are incompatible, preventing equipment conforming to one protocol from controlling devices using another protocol, and existing bridge solutions do not account for devices entering power-saving modes, limiting network access and control capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A bridge apparatus with connection and disconnection detecting devices, virtual device processors, and bridge operation control units that maintain bridge operations even when devices are disconnected, allowing for continuous control and data transmission by converting protocols and managing power states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bridge apparatus converts protocols between different home network standards, then interoperability between equipment conforming to different protocols is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bridge apparatus as an intermediary device that converts between different home network protocols (UPnP, AV/C, ECHONET). The bridge apparatus includes protocol conversion units that translate messages between protocols, enabling equipment conforming to different protocols to communicate without requiring each device to support multiple protocols directly, thus improving interoperability while keeping individual devices relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge apparatus is designed with multi-functional protocol conversion capabilities, supporting conversion between UPnP, AV/C, and ECHONET protocols simultaneously. This universal approach allows a single bridge device to handle multiple protocol pairs, improving overall network interoperability while avoiding the need for separate bridge devices for each protocol pair.
2Use of energy by moving object
If equipment enters power-saving mode to reduce energy consumption, then use of energy is improved, but network access and control capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a mechanism where the bridge apparatus pre-loads and caches control commands and device information before the equipment enters power-saving mode. When equipment transitions to standby or power-saving state, the bridge apparatus has already prepared the necessary control data and device descriptions, ensuring that network access and control operations can continue without interruption despite the equipment's reduced operational state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the bridge apparatus monitors the power state of connected equipment and dynamically adjusts its behavior. When equipment enters power-saving mode, the bridge detects this state change and modifies its protocol conversion and command routing accordingly, maintaining network accessibility while respecting the equipment's energy-saving operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversion is implemented to enable control across different home network standards, then adaptability is improved, but information disclosure and searching capability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge apparatus creates virtual copies of device information and control interfaces when performing protocol conversion. Instead of directly exposing the actual device's information structure, the bridge generates virtual device descriptions that match the target protocol's expectations, allowing control points to discover and control devices through familiar protocol interfaces while the actual physical device maintains its original protocol implementation.
Data Source
AI summary
A bridge apparatus is disclosed, the bridge apparatus being connected between a first network and a second network and achieving a communication between equipment connected to the first network and equipment connected to the second network. This apparatus accepts communication from the equipment over the first network to equipment disconnected from the second network, and then, preserves contents of the communication even in the case where the equipment over the second network has been disconnected from the second network for reasons such as electric power cut. In the case where the disconnected equipment has been connected to the second network again, this apparatus transmits the accepted contents of the communication to the reconnected equipment.