Smart Device Controller Using Spreadsheet Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current smart home systems face challenges with high costs, reliability issues due to single points of failure, and interoperability problems caused by conflicting commercial interests in control hubs, making it difficult for users to set up complex device interactions without professional programming.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of clusters of smart devices that can operate in both hub-based and hub-less modes, allowing autonomous cooperation and using spreadsheets for programming, enabling users to set up device interactions without needing professional programming skills.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control hubs are used to manage smart devices, then device cooperation and control are achieved, but costs increase and reliability decreases due to single point of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control hub from the system and distributes its functions to individual smart devices. Each device becomes autonomous with its own controller that can independently make decisions and execute actions based on received commands, eliminating the single point of failure while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control functionality is segmented from a centralized hub and distributed across multiple smart devices. Each device has its own controller that can operate independently, dividing the monolithic control function into smaller, redundant units that continue operating even if one fails.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control hubs are used to manage smart devices, then centralized control is achieved, but interoperability deteriorates due to conflicting commercial interests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal controllers in smart devices that can receive commands from multiple sources including other smart devices, mobile applications, and cloud services. This multi-functional approach allows different devices from various manufacturers to interoperate seamlessly without requiring a proprietary hub ecosystem.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller in each smart device acts as an intermediary that translates and executes commands from diverse sources. It mediates between different communication protocols and control methods, enabling interoperability without requiring a centralized hub that would have conflicting commercial interests.
3Ease of operation
If professional programming is required for device cooperation, then precise control is achieved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where smart devices automatically configure and establish cooperation with each other without requiring professional programming. The autonomous controllers can independently negotiate communication protocols, establish connections, and execute coordinated actions based on simple user-initiated commands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring communication protocols and coordination mechanisms within each device's controller. This preparation allows devices to autonomously establish complex cooperative behaviors without requiring users to program them, simplifying setup while maintaining precise control capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller for connecting to and controlling active units of smart devices according to a spreadsheet received from a programming device and stored in the controller's memory and current states received from other smart devices. The controller may operate to provide to programming devices the spreadsheet stored in the memory for restoring a cluster of smart devices. The controller may include a real-time clock and interpret spreadsheet formulas that include time parameters.