CAPI for Boiler Customization Without Embedded Compilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Boiler manufacturers face challenges in providing flexibility and customization to meet customer demands quickly and cost-effectively, as existing methods require expensive software development tools and recompilation for small adjustments, leading to lengthy development cycles and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A Company Advanced Programming Interface (CAPI) that allows OEMs to customize products without programming capabilities, using a PC or web-based program to create embedded microcontroller programs, parameterize constants, and switch algorithms from hard-coded to interpreted pseudocode, enabling configuration and data management without specific development tools, and uploading configurations directly to devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional embedded programming methods are used with compilers and debuggers, then programming capability and control are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a PC-based intermediary program that acts as a mediator between the user and the embedded microcontroller. This PC program handles all complex programming tasks, compilation, and debugging operations, while the microcontroller itself remains simple and requires no development tools. The PC serves as an external intermediary that provides full programming capability without adding complexity to the embedded device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom programming tools are provided for each OEM, then customization capability is improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal PC-based programming environment that can serve multiple OEMs and different microcontroller models. Instead of providing separate custom tools for each customer, a single multi-functional PC program handles configuration, compilation, and debugging for various devices. This universal tool provides unlimited customization capability without requiring separate toolsets for different applications.
3Ease of repair
If hardware tools for simulation and analysis are provided, then debugging capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical hardware debugging tools with a software-based debugging system running on a standard PC. Instead of requiring specialized hardware debuggers, probe stations, and simulation equipment, all debugging, simulation, and analysis functions are implemented through software that communicates with the microcontroller via standard interfaces. This substitutes mechanical/physical tools with electronic/software-based solutions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If full programming control is provided to OEMs, then customization is improved, but proprietary information protection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the programming system into two distinct parts: a proprietary PC-based programming environment that contains all the intellectual property, algorithms, and control logic, and a simple embedded microcontroller that executes the generated code. The proprietary segmentation keeps all valuable information in the PC software while the microcontroller becomes a dumb execution device. This segmentation allows full customization capability while protecting proprietary information by keeping it isolated in the PC environment.
Data Source
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AI summary
An approach which may be regarded as a company (11) advanced programming interface (CAPI) applicable, for instance, to boiler displays and remote man-machine interfaces. CAPI may use a product software structure combined with a PC or web based program capable of creating an embedded microcontroller program without a need for programming capabilities or a program recompile. Implementation may be done at both the product microcontroller level and the PC or web based program to be used by an end customer to "customize" its product. The present approach may partially move development and final tuning processes to an OEM. Modifications of the product may be done without a need for specific and expensive software development tools for embedded devices such as a compiler and a debugger, and hardware tools for simulation and analysis, and other like items. The present approach may also provide immediate response to simple OEM requirements.