Machine-Readable Code Reader for Automated Network Element Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Testing network elements in communication networks is prone to delays and human errors due to incorrect selection of testing specifications, confusion among network elements, and incorrect identification codes, leading to difficulties in locating and testing network components.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a testing device equipped with a machine-readable code reader and a computer that determines the component type from the code, selects the appropriate configuration file, and configures the test unit to perform procedures on network elements, while also providing navigation to the correct location using machine-readable codes associated with network elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual identification and configuration of network elements is used, then device complexity is reduced, but human error and delays increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces machine-readable codes as an intermediary between network elements and the testing device. These codes automatically provide identification and configuration information, eliminating manual input errors while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized code formats and automated processing
Solution Approach 2:
Network elements automatically provide their own identification and configuration information through machine-readable codes. The testing device automatically reads and processes this information without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving reliability while the automation handles the complexity internally
2Productivity
If automated machine-readable code reading is implemented, then testing speed and accuracy improve, but initial system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Machine-readable codes are pre-applied to network elements during deployment or installation. This preliminary action stores all necessary identification and configuration information in advance, allowing the testing device to simply read and process the codes during testing, thereby achieving high productivity without requiring complex real-time data collection systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses machine-readable codes as simplified copies or representations of network element identification and configuration information. Instead of requiring complex communication protocols or manual data entry, the codes provide a streamlined digital representation that can be quickly read and processed, improving testing speed while keeping the automation system relatively simple
3Loss of time
If manual location and identification of network elements is performed, then system simplicity is maintained, but time consumption and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
Machine-readable codes serve as an intermediary that bridges the physical network element and its digital identification information. This allows the testing device to automatically locate and identify elements by reading the codes, significantly reducing testing time while maintaining ease of operation through simple code scanning without complex navigation or manual search procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A testing device which includes a testing unit to perform test procedures on network elements of a communication network and a machine-readable code reader to read a machine-readable code associated with a network element of the communication network. The testing device further includes a computer device configured to: (i) determine a component type associated with the machine-readable code data read; (ii) select from a plurality of configuration files a configuration file based on the component type determined; and (iii) configure the test unit for a test procedure using the configuration file selected, and to perform the test procedure on the network element.