Protocol Translation Interface for Multi-Device Control Rules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices often require multiple specialized interfaces to communicate with one another due to a lack of interfacing capability and compatibility, leading to inefficiencies and limitations in device-to-device interaction.
Innovation Solution
A communication interface that converts or reformats transmissions into a protocol compatible with a particular device, allowing multiple devices to communicate and enabling a device control system to perform predefined actions based on detected conditions, and creating a network between devices that otherwise cannot communicate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized interfaces are used for each device to communicate, then device compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication interface that can handle multiple device types and protocols through a single standardized interface. This interface uses protocol detection and automatic adaptation mechanisms to work with diverse devices (thermostats, sensors, actuators, media players) without requiring separate specialized interfaces for each device type, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining broad compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The communication interface acts as an intermediary between the control system and various devices. It includes protocol detection functionality that automatically identifies the device type and selects appropriate communication protocols, serving as a mediator that translates between different device protocols and the control system's internal protocols, eliminating the need for direct specialized interfaces for each device
2Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversion is implemented to enable communication between devices using different protocols, then adaptability is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary protocol detection when a device is first connected or when communication is initiated. The interface detects the device type and pre-loads or pre-configures the appropriate communication protocol, so that when actual data transmission occurs, the protocol conversion is already optimized and ready, minimizing real-time conversion delays
Solution Approach 2:
The communication interface dynamically changes communication parameters such as baud rate, data format, and protocol type based on the detected device characteristics. This parameter adaptation is performed efficiently using lookup tables and predefined protocol templates, allowing rapid switching between different communication standards without extensive real-time processing
Data Source
AI summary
A communication interface and a device control, management and monitoring system are provided to enable the networking of and communication between multiple devices operating under different protocols. The communication interface may act as a translator or protocol converter that reformats transmissions from one protocol to another based on protocol compatibility between the recipient and transmitting devices. The device control and monitoring system may store predefined rules that are triggered when specified conditions associated with the networked devices are detected. The rules may specify an action to take such as transmitting a discount offer to a user or turning off a light. According to one or more arrangements, the communication interface may act as an intermediary between the networked devices and the device control system so that the device control system is not required to understand or be compatible with the various other protocols used by the networked devices.