Updated on 2024-01-17 GMT+08:00

Product Models

Definition

A product model describes the capabilities and features of a device. You can build an abstract model of a device by defining a product model on the IoT platform so that the platform can know what services, properties, and commands are supported by the device, such as its color and on or off switches it might have. After defining a product model, you can use it when creating a device.

A product model consists of product details and service capabilities.

  • Product details

    Product details describe basic information about a device, including the device and protocol type.

    Example device type: WaterMeter. Example protocol type: CoAP.

  • Service capabilities

    The service capabilities of a device are divided into several services. Properties, commands, and command parameters are defined for each service.

    For example, a water meter has multiple capabilities. It reports the water flow, alarms, battery life, and connection data, and it receives commands too. The table below describes its capabilities from five services, each of which has its own properties or commands.

    Service Type

    Description

    WaterMeterBasic

    Defines parameters reported by the water meter, such as the water flow, temperature, and pressure. If these parameters need to be controlled or modified using commands, parameters in the commands need to be defined.

    WaterMeterAlarm

    Defines various scenarios where the water meter will report alarms. Commands need to be defined if necessary.

    Battery

    Defines the voltage and current intensity of the water meter.

    DeliverySchedule

    Defines transmission rules for the water meter. Commands need to be defined if necessary.

    Connectivity

    Defines connectivity parameters of the water meter.

    You can define the number of services as required. For example, the WaterMeterAlarm service can be further divided into WaterPressureAlarm and WaterFlowAlarm services or be integrated into the WaterMeterBasic service.

Development Methods

The platform provides multiple methods for developing product models. You can select a method as required.

  • Custom Model (online development): Build a product model from scratch. For details, see Developing a Product Model Online.
  • Upload Local Profile (offline development): Upload a local product model to the platform. For details, see Developing a Product Model Offline.
  • Import from Excel: Develop a product model by importing an Excel file. For details, see Import from Excel.
  • Import Library Model: You can use a preset product model to quickly develop a product. The platform provides standard and manufacturer-specific product models. Standard product models comply with industry standards and are suitable for devices of most manufacturers in the industry. Manufacturer-specific product models are suitable for devices provided by a small number of manufacturers. You can select a product model as required.