Smart Connection Module for Smart Home Device Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart home systems face inefficiencies in connecting and integrating diverse devices due to varying communication protocols and hardware requirements, leading to complex setup processes and potential compatibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A smart connection module with a core board and host board architecture, where the core board connects to the host board through an adaptable connector, identifies the host board type, and retrieves necessary firmware to standardize communication, enabling seamless integration with a centralized ecosystem.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If diverse devices with varying communication protocols and hardware requirements are integrated into a smart home system, then device functionality and versatility are improved, but system complexity and setup difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between diverse smart home devices and the central control system. The gateway translates various communication protocols (Zigbee, Z-Wave, WiFi, Bluetooth) into a standardized format, enabling devices with different protocols to communicate seamlessly without increasing overall system complexity. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by handling protocol diversity at a single point rather than requiring complex point-to-point integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple communication protocols simultaneously. It can translate between different protocols and the central system's standardized protocol, making it a universal interface that supports diverse devices. This universal approach allows the system to maintain simplicity while accommodating various device types and communication methods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom host boards with product-specific components are used for each device, then device-specific functionality is improved, but integration complexity and firmware management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two distinct parts: custom host boards that provide device-specific functionality and a standardized gateway that handles communication and firmware management. The host board contains only the necessary device-specific components and sensors, while the gateway handles protocol translation, firmware updates, and system integration. This segmentation allows device-specific functionality to be maintained without burdening the integration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway acts as an intermediary between custom host boards and the central control system. It manages firmware updates for different host boards, translates their specific protocols into standardized commands, and handles integration complexities. This mediator approach allows custom host boards to maintain their specificity while simplifying the overall integration process through centralized management.
3Device complexity
If a standardized core board is used to connect diverse devices, then communication standardization is improved, but adaptability to different device types may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway employs parameter changes to adapt the standardized communication protocol to different device types. It dynamically adjusts communication parameters such as data format, transmission rate, and protocol type based on the connected device's requirements. This allows the core board to maintain standardization while being adaptable to various device types through flexible parameter configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The gateway can change its communication behavior based on the device it is connected to, selecting appropriate protocols and parameters dynamically. This dynamic approach allows the standardized core board to maintain simplicity while adapting to diverse device requirements through real-time configuration changes.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques are described for a sensor designed to connect to and monitor devices in an ecosystem. In some implementations, a system monitors a property that includes the sensor configured to generate sensor data reflecting an attribute of the property. The sensor includes a host board that generates the sensor data and a core board connected to the host board. The core board identifies a type of the host board and communicates with a monitor control unit. The monitor control unit receives a request for firmware associated with the type of the host board from the sensor. In response, the monitor control unit accesses the firmware and transmits the firmware to the sensor. The core board of the sensor receives the firmware and stores the firmware. The core board receives the sensor data from the host board and transmits the sensor data to the monitor control unit.