Scalable Automation System with Hierarchical Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current home and business automation systems are limited by high costs, complexity, and lack of scalability, making them difficult to implement and maintain, and often require professional installation, with limited user-friendly solutions and visibility into energy consumption patterns.
Innovation Solution
A scalable automation system that uses a hierarchical control platform, allowing for various implementation schemes, utilizing wireline and wireless communication technologies like Zigbee, Z-wave, and Bluetooth, with automation, remote, and peripheral devices that can operate independently or consolidated, providing tailored solutions for specific user needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If comprehensive stand-alone automation systems are deployed, then automation functionality and control capability are improved, but system cost and implementation complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides automation functionality into independent controllable units (smart plugs, switches, outlets) that can operate autonomously or be grouped into zones. Each device segment handles its own control logic while communicating through a standardized protocol, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs universal communication protocols and standardized interfaces that allow different automation devices to work together through a common platform. The hierarchical architecture enables the same infrastructure to support multiple functions including lighting control, appliance management, security, and energy monitoring without requiring separate specialized systems.
2Extent of automation
If comprehensive stand-alone automation systems are deployed, then automation functionality is improved, but installation and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Automation devices are designed with plug-and-play capabilities that allow end-users to install and configure systems without professional contractors. Devices automatically discover each other on the network, self-configure communication parameters, and can be individually replaced or upgraded without affecting other system components, dramatically reducing installation and maintenance costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a standardized communication protocol and hierarchical control architecture that acts as an intermediary between diverse automation devices and user interfaces. This intermediary layer abstracts device-specific complexities, allowing uniform installation procedures and reducing the need for specialized professional services.
3Adaptability or versatility
If X10 PowerLine Communication protocol is used, then existing electrical wiring can be utilized for communication, but reliability and robustness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a standardized communication protocol with enhanced error handling, acknowledgment mechanisms, and retransmission protocols that acts as an intermediary layer over the PowerLine medium. This intermediary protocol filters out electrical noise and communication errors, maintaining the advantage of using existing wiring while significantly improving reliability through robust communication practices.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication protocol implements comprehensive feedback mechanisms including acknowledgment packets, error detection and correction codes, and automatic retransmission of lost or corrupted data. Devices continuously monitor communication quality and adjust transmission parameters dynamically, ensuring reliable operation over the electrical wiring infrastructure despite electrical interference.
4Extent of automation
If high-end comprehensive automation systems are deployed, then automation capability is improved, but market accessibility and user-friendliness worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments automation control into simple individual device operations that users can understand and manage independently. Each smart plug, switch, or outlet operates as a discrete controllable unit with clear status indicators and simple control interfaces, making the system accessible to average consumers rather than requiring professional installation and operation knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a standardized communication protocol and hierarchical control architecture that acts as an intermediary between diverse automation devices and user interfaces. This intermediary layer abstracts device-specific complexities, allowing uniform installation procedures and reducing the need for specialized professional services.
Data Source
AI summary
An automation system including a plurality of peripheral devices, each configured to perform at least one function relating to energy consumption in a facility and an automation controller in communication with the plurality of peripheral devices and providing for the control of the performance of the function by each device, wherein the automation controller includes a compiler configured to take high level rules and information about the peripheral devices and produce at least one program that will respond to data from the peripheral devices and to timer, calendar, clock, and preprogrammed events and a server component that provides the data as input to the at least one program and takes actions based on the output of the program.