Automated Electronic Device Servicing via Virtual Hard Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual servicing of electronic devices is error-prone and time-consuming, especially when dealing with multiple devices of different makes and models, as existing automated test stations struggle to accommodate conflicting setup procedures and hardware requirements.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that uses a management system to determine the device model and image group of an electronic device, transmitting a virtual hard drive with compatible applications to a test station to execute the necessary setup procedures, allowing for efficient servicing of multiple electronic devices based on their specific criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual servicing is used to handle different device models, then flexibility in handling specific device requirements is improved, but technician error rate increases and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes parameters by dynamically selecting and applying different setup procedures and hardware configurations based on the detected device model. Each device model has associated parameters (setup procedures, hardware requirements) that are automatically adjusted, eliminating manual configuration errors while maintaining model-specific customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical servicing process with an automated test station system. The automated system uses software-controlled procedures to service devices, substituting human technicians with automated machinery that follows programmed instructions specific to each device model, thereby reducing errors while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual servicing is used for multiple electronic devices, then device-specific requirements can be addressed, but time consumption increases proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring setup procedures and hardware settings for multiple device models in advance. When a device is serviced, the appropriate pre-configured procedure is automatically selected and applied, eliminating the need for technicians to manually configure each device from scratch, thus reducing time consumption while maintaining device-specific customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated test station is designed with universal functionality to service multiple different device models using a single system. The system can automatically adapt to different device types through software configuration, allowing one test station to perform multiple servicing functions that would otherwise require multiple specialized stations or manual processes.
3Reliability
If automated test station is used to service multiple device models, then technician error is reduced, but difficulty in accommodating conflicting setup procedures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the servicing process into distinct modules or procedures, each tailored to specific device models. By dividing the overall servicing task into model-specific segments, the system can automatically select and execute the appropriate segment for each device, reducing errors while managing complexity through structured organization of setup procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated test station employs dynamic configuration capabilities that allow it to adapt its setup procedures in real-time based on the detected device model. The system dynamically switches between different hardware configurations and software procedures, enabling it to handle conflicting requirements of multiple device models without manual intervention.
4Adaptability or versatility
If different hardware components are used for different device models, then device compatibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an intermediary mechanism (automated software control layer) that manages the complexity of multiple hardware components. This intermediary layer automatically selects and configures the appropriate hardware components based on the device model being serviced, providing device compatibility while shielding the operator from the underlying system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed embodiments include systems and methods to service an electronic device. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a request to service an electronic device communicatively connected to a test station. The method also includes obtaining a device model and an image group of the electronic device and determining criteria to service the electronic device in accordance with a desired setup, where each image group is associated with one or more different device models. The method further includes transmitting a request to service the electronic device to a management system having an image of applications compatible with the image group of the electronic device. The method further includes receiving at least one of a virtual hard drive storing a copy of the image of the applications and an indication of a location of the virtual hard drive. The method further includes executing the applications to service the electronic device.