Uniform Controller-Accessory Protocol for Secure Multi-Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in managing multiple electronically controllable devices from different manufacturers, as each system typically requires a dedicated controller device or app that is not interoperable with others, hindering the creation of a centralized smart home environment.
Innovation Solution
A uniform communication protocol that allows controllers to interact with various accessory devices using standard transport protocols like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, defining a framework for accessories as a collection of services with characteristics, enabling command-and-control messages, notification mechanisms, and security measures for authorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each manufacturer provides a dedicated controller device or app for their specific system, then the system can be controlled reliably, but the user must accumulate multiple controller devices and apps to manage different manufacturers' systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal controller that can control multiple accessory types from different manufacturers through a standardized protocol. The controller is designed with multi-functionality to handle diverse accessories (audio devices, video devices, gaming devices, etc.) using a common communication framework, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated controllers while maintaining reliable control through standardized commands and procedures
2Ease of operation
If each controller is customized for a particular manufacturer's systems, then the control functionality is optimized for that system, but the controller is not interoperable with systems from other manufacturers
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements a universal protocol that maintains optimized control functionality across different accessory types. The standardized command structures, pairing procedures, and control mechanisms provide ease of operation while the protocol's design inherently supports interoperability across manufacturers' systems through common communication standards
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol allows for parameter customization to accommodate different accessory types and manufacturers while maintaining a consistent command framework. Through configurable parameters such as accessory identifiers, capability flags, and control settings, the system adapts to specific devices without requiring custom controllers, thus preserving ease of operation while achieving interoperability
3Adaptability or versatility
If a uniform protocol is implemented for communication between controllers and accessories, then interoperability and scalability are improved, but the protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The uniform protocol is segmented into distinct functional modules including pairing procedures, command structures, notification mechanisms, and control operations. This segmentation organizes the protocol complexity into manageable components, making implementation and maintenance easier while preserving interoperability and scalability benefits across the system
Data Source
AI summary
A uniform protocol can facilitate secure, authenticated communication between a controller device and an accessory device that is controlled by the controller. An accessory and a controller can establish a pairing, the existence of which can be verified at a later time and used to create a secure communication session. The accessory can provide an accessory definition record that defines the accessory as a collection of services, each service having one or more characteristics. Within a secure communication session, the controller can interrogate the characteristics to determine accessory state and/or modify the characteristics to instruct the accessory to change its state.