Remote Control Adaptation for IoT Protocol Interoperability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing IoT devices require users to manually switch between different communication protocols, making them cumbersome and non-intuitive, especially for users unfamiliar with the underlying protocols, and they often fail to adapt to specific commands required by devices like those using the 'fil pilote' protocol, limiting interoperability and user experience.

Innovation Solution

A remote control device that automatically adapts its commands based on the type of network and device it connects to, using proprietary or standard protocols as needed, without requiring user input, allowing it to send appropriate commands for various devices and networks, including those using specific protocols like 'fil pilote', ensuring seamless communication and user-friendly operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a remote control device supports multiple communication protocols, then interoperability with various IoT devices is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinteroperabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The remote control device is designed to support multiple communication protocols (Zigbee, WiFi, Bluetooth, fil pilote) within a single device, enabling it to universally control diverse IoT devices without requiring separate remote controls for each protocol type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device acts as an intermediary between the user and multiple IoT devices, automatically detecting the target device's protocol and translating user commands into the appropriate communication format, thereby shielding users from protocol complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the remote control automatically adapts commands based on network type, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidloss of information
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The remote control device performs self-configuration by automatically detecting the network type and target device characteristics, then autonomously selecting and adapting the appropriate communication protocol without requiring manual user input or configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device implements a feedback mechanism where it sends test commands to the target device, receives responses, and uses this information to determine the optimal protocol and command format, ensuring accurate communication while maintaining automatic adaptation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of manufacture

If standard protocols are used for device communication, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to specific device features deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The remote control device dynamically switches between standard protocols (Zigbee, WiFi) and proprietary protocols (fil pilote) based on the detected target device type, allowing it to manufacture using standard components while adapting to specific device requirements through software configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3633927B1Smart adaptation of the functionalities of a remote control in a local area network
Publication Date: 2023.08.16 NETATMO
  • EP3633927B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3633927B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3633927B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to the adaptation of the functionalities of a remote control in a local area network. More specifically, it relates to the definition of commands to be sent upon an input of a user, depending either of the commands that can be sent in a RF network joined by the remote control, or of the commands that can be received by a device that the remote control is bound to in a RF network.