Building Device Auto-Configuration via Short-Range Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for configuring devices in a building are time-consuming and require manual effort, as technicians need to physically access each device to set up IP addresses, SSIDs, mesh IDs, and passwords.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allow a mobile device to connect to a first device via a short-range network, enabling the first device to discover and configure unconfigured devices by broadcasting messages and receiving identity messages, thereby automating the configuration process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual configuration method is used, then configuration can be performed with simple tools, but time consumption and manual effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables unconfigured devices to automatically discover the first device and receive configuration information without technician intervention. Devices self-configure by receiving IP addresses, SSIDs, mesh IDs, and passwords through automated communication protocols, eliminating the need for manual configuration of each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The first device is pre-configured with all necessary configuration information (IP addresses, SSIDs, mesh IDs, passwords) before deployment. This preliminary preparation allows the first device to automatically configure multiple unconfigured devices without requiring technicians to manually set up each device during installation.
2Productivity
If technician physically accesses each device for configuration, then configuration can be performed individually, but productivity decreases due to sequential processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the configuration process into a single automated operation where one first device configures multiple unconfigured devices simultaneously through wireless communication. This eliminates the need for technicians to physically access and configure each device separately, dramatically improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation through automated protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically accessing each device with a wireless communication-based system. The first device transmits configuration information electronically to unconfigured devices through short-range wireless networks, eliminating the need for physical access while maintaining configuration capability.
3Extent of automation
If automated configuration is implemented, then time and manual effort are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first device serves as an intermediary that mediates between the configuration system and multiple unconfigured devices. It receives configuration information and automatically distributes it to other devices, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling high-level automation without requiring complex infrastructure.
Data Source
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Figure 1B
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AI summary
Aspects of the invention are directed towards a system and a method for configuring one or more devices (106A-106E) installed in a building (102). One or more embodiments of the invention describe the method comprising steps of establishing a connection by a mobile device (108) with a first device (106A) over a short-range network (112). The method also describes a step of enabling the first device (106A) to determine one or more unconfigured devices (106B-106D) by broadcasting a discover message by the first device (106A) over the short-range network (112). The method further describes a step of enabling the first device (106A) to configure the one or more unconfigured devices (106B-106D) over the short-range network (112) in response to determination of the one or more unconfigured devices (106B-106D).