Configuration Diagram Database for Distributed Measurement Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in configuring and managing distributed measurement and automation systems due to the complexity of various devices and programs, leading to uncertainty in system configuration and program distribution across networked computer systems.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing a configuration diagram database that allows users to browse, select, and deploy configuration diagrams over a network, enabling the configuration of client systems through graphical iconic-based techniques, including device and program management, data distribution, and debugging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If distributed software applications are deployed across multiple nodes to improve system functionality and flexibility, then the system's adaptability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of configuration increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a configuration server as an intermediary between users and distributed measurement systems. This server provides centralized configuration management, allowing users to configure complex distributed systems through simplified interfaces without directly managing the underlying complexity of multiple nodes and devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration server provides universal configuration capabilities that work across different types of measurement devices and distributed system architectures. It offers a unified approach to configuration that can be applied to various scenarios including sensor networks, automation systems, and multi-node deployments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If custom programs are developed to control specific testing and control situations, then the measurement precision and control accuracy are improved, but the ease of operation decreases for users not highly trained in programming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol accuracyVSAvoidprogramming difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration server enables users to self-configure measurement systems through graphical interfaces and standardized procedures rather than requiring custom program development. Users can define measurement tasks, select devices, and configure parameters without writing code, while the server automatically generates the necessary control logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual programming (mechanical/cognitive effort) with automated configuration services. The configuration server automatically translates user requirements into system configuration and control logic, substituting the need for users to manually write and debug programs with an automated service that handles the complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If comprehensive system configuration information is made available to users, then the reliability of system operation is improved, but the loss of information and data management complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem operation reliabilityVSAvoiddata management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration server extracts and centralizes configuration information from distributed devices, making it accessible in one location. Users can access comprehensive system configuration data through the server without needing to manually collect and manage information from multiple scattered sources, reducing data management complexity while maintaining information completeness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS7620897B2Network based system which provides a database of measurement solutions

Publication Date: 2009.11.17 NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS CORP

AI summary

System and method for configuring a client system, e.g., a measurement system. First input is received from a client system over a network requesting access to a plurality of configuration diagrams comprising respective solutions to respective tasks. At least a subset of the plurality of configuration diagrams is displayed on a display device of the client system for viewing by a user. Second input is received from the client system selecting one of the displayed configuration diagrams indicating a solution for a task to be performed by the client system. The solution is provided to the client system over the network, and may include the selected configuration diagram and/or pricing information for proposed products. The configuration diagrams are stored in a configuration diagram database. The stored configuration diagrams may be pre-defined solutions for pre-defined tasks, generated in response to received user requirements, and/or received from client systems and/or vendors.