Functionality Sharing Between Devices Using Payload Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices and machines are unable to effectively interact and share functionalities beyond their predefined capabilities, limiting their collaborative potential in applications such as Industry 4.0 environments.
Innovation Solution
A device with a storage unit for parameter sets indicating available and desired functionalities, a communication interface to exchange these parameters, and a processing unit to establish payload connections with other devices, allowing for the dynamic sharing of sensor, data, and actuator functionalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices are designed with fixed predefined functionalities, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability and collaborative capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables devices to function universally by allowing them to access and use functionalities from other devices through payload connections. A device can perform not only its own native functions but also borrowed functions from connected devices, making each device multi-functional and adaptable to various collaborative scenarios without increasing its own hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces parameter sets as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between devices. These parameter sets contain information about available functionalities and serve as a communication bridge, allowing devices to discover and negotiate capabilities without direct complex interaction, thus enabling adaptability while keeping individual device complexity low.
2Adaptability or versatility
If devices share functionalities dynamically, then adaptability and collaborative capability are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling devices to automatically discover, negotiate, and establish payload connections with other devices based on their functional requirements. The system performs capability matching and connection establishment autonomously without requiring manual configuration or user intervention, thus maintaining ease of operation while achieving dynamic functionality sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining parameter sets that contain information about available functionalities before actual collaboration occurs. This preliminary structuring of capability information allows devices to quickly negotiate and establish connections without complex real-time negotiations, simplifying the operation while enabling dynamic functionality sharing.
3Productivity
If devices establish payload connections to share functionalities, then productivity and collaborative capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating functionality into two distinct layers: native functionalities that are built into each device, and borrowed functionalities that are accessed through payload connections. This segmentation allows devices to maintain simple, well-defined core functions while gaining access to additional capabilities from other devices, thus improving productivity without increasing individual device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for providing functionalities includes at least one storage unit providing a first parameter set and a second parameter set. The first parameter set indicates which functionalities are to be made available by the device to other devices. The second parameter set indicates which functionalities are to be made available by the other devices to the device. The device further includes a communication interface configured to obtain a third parameter set from a second device. The third parameter set indicates which functionalities are to be made available by the second device. The device further includes a processing unit configured to compare the third parameter set with the second parameter set, to select one or more functionalities made available by the second device for use, and to establish a payload connection with the second device if at least one functionality has been selected for use.