Smart Controller IoT Device Control via Server Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IoT device control systems require users to download separate applications for each device, lacking integration and relationship between devices, making it inconvenient to control multiple devices from a single controller.
Innovation Solution
A smart controller that detects IoT devices and obtains control information and rules from a server, allowing dynamic discovery and control of devices based on device conditions and interactions, enabling unified control across various IoT devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated application is downloaded for each device, then device control capability is achieved, but system complexity and user burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control system where a single controller can discover, identify, and control multiple different IoT devices through a unified interface. The controller downloads one application that provides universal control capabilities across diverse device types, eliminating the need for separate dedicated applications for each device while maintaining full control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that stores device information and control parameters. The controller communicates with devices through this intermediary, which translates between different device protocols and the universal control interface. This mediator enables single-application control of multiple devices without requiring the controller to handle each device's unique communication protocol directly.
2Reliability
If separate applications are used for each device, then device-specific control is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system provides a unified application interface that can control multiple device types through standardized commands. The system automatically discovers available devices and presents them through a consistent user interface, allowing users to operate different devices without learning multiple applications while maintaining device-specific control capabilities through the universal interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments device information and control parameters into standardized categories stored on the server. This segmentation allows the universal application to organize and present device-specific controls in a consistent, predictable manner across different device types, improving ease of operation while preserving device-specific functionality.
3Ease of operation
If device control is centralized in one controller, then ease of operation improves, but device compatibility challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as an intermediary layer between the universal controller and diverse IoT devices. It stores device-specific information, communication protocols, and control parameters, enabling the single controller to accommodate multiple device types without compromising compatibility. The server translates between universal control commands and device-specific protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts control parameters and communication protocols based on the detected device type. When a new device is discovered, the controller retrieves device-specific parameters from the server and adapts its control interface accordingly, maintaining ease of operation while achieving broad device compatibility through parameter adaptation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure is directed to controlling of Internet of Things (IoT) devices based on detecting a device and obtaining control information and associated rules for controlling the device. The control functions available to a smart controller can vary based on the condition of the various rules and/or the interaction of the various devices detected.