Home Network Control via SMS Protocol Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current home network control systems require complex steps and incur additional fees for users to access and control home electronic appliances, as they often use bi-directional data packet transmission techniques like WAP servers, which are cumbersome and costly, especially in mobile environments, and necessitate manufacturer-specific user interfaces due to different protocols used by connected devices.
Innovation Solution
A home network control apparatus and method that converts text messages into control signals compatible with home network devices, using a protocol converter and text message processor to transmit commands directly to devices, allowing users to control home network devices via a simple text message interface, reducing the need for complex authentication and minimizing additional fees.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If WAP server method with bi-directional data packet transmission is used, then home network service can be provided, but accessing menus requires several steps and charges additional fees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential control function from complex WAP server interactions and implements it directly through SMS message processing. Instead of requiring users to navigate through WAP menus and authentication steps, the system directly processes SMS commands to control home network devices, eliminating unnecessary intermediate steps and reducing access time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional control approach by allowing users to send simple SMS text messages to control devices, rather than requiring devices to present complex menus or interfaces. This inversion simplifies the user interaction model from 'device presents options' to 'user sends command', significantly reducing operational complexity and time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different protocols are used by devices connected to home network, then device compatibility is achieved, but manufacturer-specific user interface must be developed individually
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal SMS-based control interface that works across all home network devices regardless of their native protocols. The SMS gateway serves as a universal communication layer that translates various device protocols into a common text message format, eliminating the need to develop separate manufacturer-specific interfaces while maintaining full device compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an SMS gateway as an intermediary component between users and diverse home network devices. This mediator translates between different device protocols and a unified SMS interface, allowing a single standardized user interface to control multiple devices with different protocols without requiring individual interface development for each manufacturer.
3Ease of operation
If text message is converted to control signal using protocol converter, then control of home network device is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an SMS gateway as an intermediary that handles protocol conversion between text messages and device control signals. This centralized mediation approach simplifies the user interface while consolidating system complexity into a single component rather than requiring each device to have its own interface logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or electronic control interfaces with a text-based SMS communication system. By substituting traditional control mechanisms with simple text message processing, the system achieves ease of operation while managing complexity through software-based protocol translation rather than hardware interface variations.
Data Source
AI summary
A home network service system using an SMS service, the home network service system including: a text message processor to receive a text message; and a home network control apparatus to control a home network device according to the text message by converting a control signal corresponding to the text message using a protocol compatible with the home network device and transmitting the converted control signal to the home network device. Accordingly, various types of home network devices can be easily controlled.