Subscriber Cable Pair Identification via Resistance Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Subscriber connection records for POTS and ISDN services often become corrupted over time, leading to a need for accurate subscriber cable pair identification to maintain reliable telephone service.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a processor, memory, and a probe interface device that applies a resistance element across a probe connected to a subscriber cable pair to determine resistance at a test position, validating associations between cable pairs and telephone numbers or line ports.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual methods are used to identify subscriber cable pairs, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to human error and time constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable pair identification accuracyVSAvoidtesting system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automated self-testing of cable pairs by having the probe interface device automatically apply resistance elements and detect their presence at test positions, eliminating the need for manual testing while maintaining high identification accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical testing procedures with an automated electrical resistance-based detection system that uses electronic probes and resistance elements to identify cable pairs, improving precision while managing complexity through standardization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated resistance-based identification is implemented, then productivity and reliability improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable pair identification speedVSAvoidprobe interface device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The testing system is segmented into distinct functional components: the probe interface device that applies resistance elements, the cable pairs being tested, and the switch test positions that detect resistance. This modular approach enables automated high-speed testing while keeping each component's complexity manageable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses changes in electrical resistance parameters to identify cable pairs. By applying known resistance elements and measuring resistance changes at test positions, the system achieves automated identification without requiring complex multi-parameter measurement systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If resistance elements are applied across probes to validate cable pairs, then measurement precision improves, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance detection accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption of resistance testing

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies resistance elements only during the identification and validation phase of cable pair testing, not continuously. This partial application of energy enables precise resistance measurements while minimizing overall energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring or other active testing methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Automates the identification and validation of subscriber cable pairs, reducing manual effort and errors, and ensuring accurate records for POTS and ISDN services, thereby enhancing service integrity and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

determine whether a resistance of the resistance element is detected at a test position of a switch serving the subscriber cable pair

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS9167079B1Subscriber cable pair identification

Publication Date: 2015.10.20 NOKIA OF AMERICA CORP

AI summary

A capability for subscriber cable pair identification is presented. The capability for subscriber cable pair identification may be configured to support subscriber cable identification for Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) cable pairs, Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) cable pairs, or both POTS and ISDN cable pairs. The subscriber cable pair identification may be performed using a subscriber cable pair identification assembly including a computing device, a probe interface device, and a probe, where the computing device is configured to run a control program configured to control subscriber cable pair identification, the probe interface device is configured as an interface between the computing device and the probe, and the probe is configured to be connected to a unit supporting subscriber cable pairs.