Server-Based Building Control Over Existing Utility Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing networking technologies in buildings require new wiring infrastructure, which is impractical and expensive, and existing solutions for using existing utility wiring are limited in scalability and security, especially for real-time multimedia applications.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based server system replaces dedicated hardware gateways with a server implementing gateway functionalities, utilizing existing utility wiring for networking and enhancing security and scalability through existing protocols and components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If new wiring infrastructure is installed for networking in buildings, then networking reliability and performance are improved, but installation cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling existing utility wiring infrastructure to serve dual purposes: traditional electrical power distribution and data networking communication. The powerline communication system allows the same wiring to function as both power delivery and data transmission medium, eliminating the need for separate networking cables and reducing installation complexity while maintaining reliable connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs copying by creating virtual networking connections over the physical power distribution infrastructure. Instead of installing new physical networking cables, the system copies networking functionality over the existing power lines using modulation techniques, thereby achieving networking reliability without the cost and complexity of new wiring installation
2Ease of manufacture
If existing utility wiring is used for networking, then installation cost and complexity are reduced, but security and scalability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer in the form of a communication management server that mediates between the powerline communication infrastructure and the networking requirements. This server implements security protocols, authentication mechanisms, and scalability controls, thereby enhancing security and scalability while utilizing the cost-effective existing utility wiring for networking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting communication parameters such as modulation frequency, data rate, and power levels over the utility wiring. This allows the system to adapt to different security requirements and scalability demands while maintaining cost-effective installation, overcoming the limitations of fixed infrastructure
3Reliability
If dedicated hardware gateways are deployed for each environment, then control functionality is ensured, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dedicated gateway functions into a single cloud-based communication management server. This server consolidates authentication, session management, data processing, and device control functionalities that were previously distributed across multiple hardware gateways, thereby maintaining reliable control functionality while significantly reducing system complexity and hardware requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling field units to autonomously establish communications and perform basic control operations through the powerline network without requiring dedicated local gateways. The cloud-based server provides centralized management, allowing devices to service themselves while maintaining control functionality, thereby reducing system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method in a building or vehicle for an actuator operation in response to a sensor according to a control logic, the system comprising a router or a gateway communicating with a device associated with the sensor and a device associated with the actuator over in-building or in-vehicle networks, and an external Internet-connected control server associated with the control logic implementing a PID closed linear control loop and communicating with the router over external network for controlling the in-building or in-vehicle phenomenon. The sensor May be a microphone or a camera, and the system may include voice or image processing as part of the control logic. A redundancy is used by using multiple sensors or actuators, or by using multiple data paths over the building or vehicle internal or external communication. The networks may be wired or wireless, and may be BAN, PAN, LAN, WAN, or home networks.