Networked Device Setting Propagation by Similarity Grouping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Managing setting changes in large networks of heterogeneous networked devices is cumbersome and complex due to different device types and manufacturers, leading to compatibility issues and increased operational complexity.

Innovation Solution

A method where networked devices autonomously compare characteristics with similar devices, update settings, and propagate changes to similar devices, using authentication and communication protocols to ensure consistency and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If centralized management is used to manage networked devices, then device settings can be controlled, but system complexity increases and compatibility issues arise due to heterogeneous devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice setting managementVSAvoidmanagement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the networked devices into groups based on similarity criteria (device type, manufacturer, model, etc.). Each group is managed semi-autonomously, reducing the complexity burden on the centralized system while maintaining control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Devices within the same group automatically propagate setting changes to each other without requiring centralized coordination for each individual change. The devices serve themselves by autonomously comparing characteristics and applying updates to similar devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual management of individual devices is used, then device control is maintained, but time consumption and operational effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice control precisionVSAvoidmanagement time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the management of multiple similar devices into a single operational workflow. When one device in a group receives a setting change request, that change is automatically propagated to all similar devices in the group, converting multiple individual management operations into a single action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where devices report their characteristics and settings to the centralized management point, which then determines appropriate grouping and propagation strategies, creating a closed-loop management system that balances automation with control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If setting changes are propagated to all networked devices, then consistency is improved, but compatibility issues arise due to heterogeneous device types and manufacturers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetting consistencyVSAvoiddevice compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different management strategies to different groups of devices based on their specific characteristics. Each device group receives setting changes appropriate to its type, manufacturer, and capabilities, rather than applying uniform changes across all heterogeneous devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of device grouping from individual device management to group-based management, where grouping criteria include device type, manufacturer, model, and other characteristics. This parameter transformation enables compatibility-aware propagation by ensuring only suitable devices receive specific setting changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3975079B1Management of setting change propagation in networked devices
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC USA INC
  • EP3975079B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3975079B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3975079B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A computer-implemented method is provided to automatically adjust a device setting of a plurality of networked devices. The method includes performing autonomously at a device of the plurality of networked devices, receiving a request to update a device setting to a new value, comparing a characteristic of the plurality of networked devices to a corresponding characteristic of the device, determining one or more similar devices of the plurality of devices that satisfy a similarity criteria based on a result of the comparison, and accessing the one or more similar devices to change the device setting of the one or more similar devices to the new value.