Trigger Delegation Between Smart Home Controllers for Failover Automation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in managing multiple electronically controllable devices from different manufacturers, as each device often requires a dedicated controller, leading to a piecemeal approach that is not scalable and lacks interoperability.
Innovation Solution
A uniform accessory protocol allows controllers to communicate with various devices using standard transport protocols, enabling secure command-and-control messages, and the delegation of triggered action sets between controllers to optimize device management and automation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated controller is used for each electronically controllable device, then device control reliability is improved, but device complexity and system scalability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal controller that can control multiple types of electronically controllable devices through a standardized communication protocol. This single controller performs the functions previously requiring multiple dedicated controllers, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining control reliability through protocol-based device identification and command execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a standardized communication protocol as an intermediary layer between the controller and diverse devices. This protocol mediates communication by providing standardized message formats, device identification mechanisms, and command structures, allowing a single controller to reliably communicate with multiple different device types without requiring dedicated controllers for each.
2Reliability
If manufacturer-specific controller apps are used, then device control reliability is improved, but adaptability and interoperability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal controller application that can control devices from multiple manufacturers through a standardized protocol. This single app performs the control functions previously requiring multiple manufacturer-specific apps, thereby improving adaptability and interoperability while maintaining reliability through standardized command structures and device identification mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter-based device identification and configuration within the standardized protocol. Devices are identified and controlled through standardized parameters and message formats that can be configured for different device types and manufacturers, allowing the same controller app to adapt to various devices by changing protocol parameters rather than requiring manufacturer-specific applications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple controller devices are accumulated, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple controller devices into a single universal controller application. This consolidation maintains adaptability by supporting multiple device types through a standardized protocol while dramatically improving ease of operation by eliminating the need for users to switch between multiple dedicated controller apps and devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A triggered action set for a first device can be defined by the first device. Instructions for executing the triggered action set can be provided by the first device to a second device. Subsequent to providing the instructions, the first device can monitor the status of the second device; if the delegate device enters a state in which it is presumed to be unavailable to execute the trigger, the first device can monitor for a triggering event associated with the triggered action set and send a control message to an accessory device in response to detecting the triggering event.