Factory Pre-Commissioning of Capture Devices for Faster Site Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing installation and commissioning of capture devices such as cameras and microphones are time-consuming and prone to errors due to variability in device compatibility and site-specific requirements, often requiring onsite assembly and configuration which can be complex and labor-intensive.

Innovation Solution

Pre-wiring, pre-aiming, and pre-commissioning of capture devices in a factory setting based on site characterization, using modular enclosures and laser assemblies to ensure accurate aiming and connectivity with existing facility management systems, reducing onsite labor and potential errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If capture devices are installed and commissioned onsite manually, then the system can be customized to site-specific requirements, but the installation time and labor intensity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesite customizationVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-wiring, pre-aiming, and pre-commissioning capture devices in a factory setting before shipment. Site characterization is performed in advance to determine specific requirements, and devices are configured accordingly before installation. This eliminates the need for complex onsite assembly and configuration, reducing installation time while maintaining site-specific customization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple vendors' capture devices are used, then device selection flexibility increases, but compatibility issues and system integration complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice selection flexibilityVSAvoidsystem integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by creating a universal commissioning system that can work with capture devices from multiple vendors. The system uses standardized communication protocols and a unified commissioning interface to integrate diverse devices. The commissioning server can communicate with different device types through standardized methods, eliminating the need for vendor-specific software and reducing integration complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If capture devices are pre-configured in factory setting, then onsite installation time is reduced, but the ability to adapt to unexpected site conditions decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation efficiencyVSAvoidonsite adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the pre-configured system adjustable and reconfigurable onsite. While devices are pre-wired and pre-aimed in the factory, the system includes adjustable mounting mechanisms and reconfigurable communication settings that allow onsite adaptation to unexpected site conditions. The commissioning process can be modified based on actual site characterization results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If manual commissioning is performed onsite, then device compatibility can be verified, but the potential for human error and variability increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility verificationVSAvoidinstallation consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by implementing an automated commissioning system that verifies device compatibility and configuration through automated testing and diagnostics. The commissioning server communicates with capture devices to verify proper operation and provides real-time feedback on system status. This automated verification process eliminates human error and ensures consistent results across different installations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11306861B1Apparatus, method, and system for factory wiring, aiming, and commissioning of capture devices
Publication Date: 2022.04.19 MUSCO CORP
  • US11306861B1 patent drawing
  • US11306861B1 patent drawing
  • US11306861B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Oftentimes a site owner requires onsite capture devices (e.g., still or video cameras, microphones) for reasons of security, increasing revenue (e.g., streaming content to subscribed users), or otherwise. In the current state of the art various capture devices come from a variety of vendors and are often only adapted to work with software from the same manufacturer. It can be frustrating for a site owner to attempt to cobble together a capture and distribution system from individual parts and devices. Discussed herein is an approach to producing a capture and distribution system customized to an owner's particular needs and a site's particular characteristics in which capture devices are at least partially factory wired, aimed, and commissioned so to reduce both time on site to install of said capture devices and potential errors in the installation, and in a manner that in at least some cases adds value for the owner.