Universal Device Control IC Using Standardized Circuit Libraries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current automation and control systems require significant customization and are not universal, lacking a 'plug and play' solution for third-party device integration, with complex controls and proprietary commands hindering seamless device management and control across different ecosystems.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that integrates hardware and software within devices to enable native connectivity, allowing devices to broadcast their identity, functionality, and state, and receive instructions, using a Fabless Development Kit (FDK) to design ASICs for generic characteristics, enabling standardized control and intuitive user interfaces across various devices.

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 device complexity and integration difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidcontrol system 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 a centralized database that adapts to different device types, eliminating the need for separate proprietary control systems for each device

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary control system with a standardized interface layer that mediates between the user and various devices, using a database to translate between different device protocols and a unified control interface, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If custom ASICs are developed for each device, then precise device control is achieved, but development time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoiddevelopment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a universal controller design that can precisely control multiple different devices without requiring custom ASICs for each device, achieving reliability through standardized high-precision communication protocols and adaptive control algorithms

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses programmable parameters and configurable control settings that can be adjusted for different device types, allowing the same hardware controller to achieve precise control across various devices by changing software parameters rather than hardware design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple proprietary software applications are created for different operating systems, then cross-platform compatibility is achieved, but development resources and time increase

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal control interface that can operate across multiple operating systems through standardized communication protocols and a platform-agnostic database structure, eliminating the need to develop separate proprietary software applications for each operating system

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

Data Source

PatentEP4164239A1System and method for universal control of electronic devices
Publication Date: 2023.04.12 SEIDNER DANIEL JAKOB
  • EP4164239A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4164239A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4164239A1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

An integrated circuit which controls an electronic device (10) when the integrated circuit is integrated into the electronic device, wherein the integrated circuit was designed using a computer implemented method comprising: receiving values of a selection of categorized control, display, input, and output parameters (57, 59, 61, 63) of an electronic device (10) into a memory (502) of a processor (67, 501) programmed by software commands to design a hardware integrated circuit (69) and associated operating software (71) for controlling the integrated circuit to control the electronic device, the categorized control, display and output parameters derived from a hierarchical data storage defining behavior, operation and communication characteristics of the device in which the integrated circuit is to be embedded; processing by the processor the selected values of the categorized control, display, input, and output parameters (57, 59, 61, 63) of the electronic device received in the memory of the processor in accordance with the software commands to select at least one standardized circuit from a library of standardized circuits, each of the standardized circuits configured to perform a function associated with at least one of the selected values of the categorized control, display, input and output parameters; outputting by the processor (67, 501) an integrated circuit design (69) based on the selected standardized circuits associated with the selected values of the control, display, input, and output parameters (57, 59, 61, 63) of the electronic device (10), the integrated circuit design including an internal bus for communicating with the electronic device (10); sending the integrated circuit design for manufacturing; and outputting by the processor (67, 501) software programming commands (71) to be executed by the integrated circuit design (69) for controlling the electronic device (10) in accordance with the selected values of the categorized control, display, input, and output parameters (57, 59, 61, 63) of the electronic device (10).