Universal ASIC Control Interface for Plug-and-Play Device Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current automation and control systems are complex, proprietary, and require significant customization, limiting universal control and ad-hoc deployment scenarios, as they rely on abstraction layers and are not 'plug and play' compatible, hindering seamless integration and management of devices within automation ecosystems.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that provides universal control through native connectivity within devices, using a low-cost, low-power ASIC with a Fabless Development Kit (FDK) for designing integrated circuits, enabling devices to broadcast their identity, functionality, and state, and receive instructions, allowing for seamless integration and control without external abstraction layers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If proprietary control systems are used for each device, then device-specific control functionality is achieved, but system complexity and customization requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice-specific control functionalityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal control system where a single controller can manage multiple diverse devices through standardized communication protocols and interfaces. The system uses common ASIC designs that can be integrated into various devices, enabling one controller to handle different device types without requiring proprietary custom controllers for each device, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If custom ASICs are developed for each device, then remote control capability is enabled, but development time and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoiddevelopment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent provides a library of pre-designed, standardized ASICs that can be integrated into various devices to enable remote control functionality. Instead of developing custom ASICs for each device, the system uses these universal ASIC designs that support multiple device types, significantly reducing development time and costs while maintaining the ability to provide remote control capabilities across different devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent prepares and provides standardized ASIC designs and control software in advance through a fabless development kit. This preliminary preparation allows device manufacturers to quickly integrate remote control functionality without undergoing lengthy development cycles, as the core control architecture and communication protocols are already established and tested.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple proprietary software solutions are created for different operating systems, then compatibility is achieved, but development resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating system compatibilityVSAvoiddevelopment resources
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops universal control software that can operate across multiple operating systems through standardized interfaces and communication protocols. Rather than creating separate proprietary software solutions for each operating system, the system uses a common software architecture that adapts to different OS environments, reducing development resource consumption while maintaining broad compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If abstraction layers are used in control systems, then device integration is simplified, but control precision and direct access are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice integrationVSAvoidcontrol precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes unnecessary abstraction layers from the control system by implementing direct communication pathways between the controller and controlled devices. The standardized ASICs and protocols enable direct access to device functionality without intermediate abstraction layers that would lose information or reduce control precision, while still maintaining ease of integration through standardization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3000239B1System and method for universal control of electronic devices
Publication Date: 2022.12.07 SEIDNER DANIEL JAKOB
  • EP3000239B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3000239B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3000239B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

A system and method for providing an integrated circuit that integrates with and controls a device wherein the integrated circuit design is developed based on a selection of characteristics of the device. The system and method also provide software for establishing interoperability between the integrated circuit and a controller.