Virtual Gateway Relaying IoT Control Signals via Personal Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing physical controller hubs for IoT devices are obsolete quickly due to rapid advancements in communication protocols, requiring frequent upgrades and are inconvenient for users to manage multiple devices through separate mobile applications, while personal communication devices like smartphones are frequently upgraded and could serve as virtual gateways.
Innovation Solution
A virtual gateway system that utilizes personal communication devices, equipped with downloadable software, to relay control signals to IoT devices, allowing them to act as physical hubs, enabling central upgrades and eliminating the need for separate physical hubs by leveraging the hardware and software of personal communication devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a physical controller hub is used to enable remote control of IoT devices, then communication between devices and remote services is enabled, but the hub becomes obsolete quickly due to rapid advancements in communication protocols, requiring frequent upgrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the controller hub functionality by implementing a virtual gateway application on the personal communication device. This software-based copy replicates hub functions without requiring physical hardware, allowing the system to adapt to new protocols through software updates rather than hardware replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical controller hub with a software-based virtual gateway running on a personal communication device. This substitution eliminates the need for physical hardware upgrades by leveraging the processing capabilities and upgradability of software on mobile devices.
2Ease of operation
If a physical controller hub is used to control multiple IoT devices, then centralized control is achieved, but users face inconvenience in managing multiple devices through separate mobile applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the controller hub functionality with the personal communication device that users already possess. By combining these two separate functions into one device, the system eliminates the need for separate mobile applications for each device while maintaining centralized control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual gateway application provides universal control capabilities across multiple IoT devices through a single interface on the personal communication device. This multi-functional approach allows users to manage diverse devices without requiring device-specific applications, enhancing ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If personal communication devices are upgraded frequently, then hardware becomes more capable, but using them as virtual gateways requires leveraging both hardware and software resources effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic virtual gateway that can adapt its resource usage based on available hardware capabilities and software conditions. The system dynamically adjusts its operation to leverage the personal communication device's processing power, memory, and connectivity resources effectively, transforming hardware upgrades into improved gateway performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for communicating to connected devices in a local environment are disclosed. The method may comprise receiving, at a head-end controller service, a command intent, the command intent indicating that a control signal should be send to a connected device. Then, the method may include sending the control signal to a virtual-gateway-enabled personal communication device that is within a local communication protocol transmission distance of the connected device. The method may further comprise relaying the control signal from the virtual-gateway-enabled personal communication device to the connected device.