Docking Station Wired Redundant Path for Control Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing programmable multimedia control systems face issues with unreliable and insecure wireless connections between touch-sensitive portable control devices and the programmable multimedia controller, leading to potential system inaccessibility when wireless links are unavailable or unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A dedicated wired, redundant communication path is established between the programmable multimedia controller and the touch-sensitive portable control device via a docking station, ensuring bi-directional communication and converting signals into IP messages for transmission over Ethernet or other cable connections, providing a secure and uninterrupted connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless connection is used for communication between portable control device and multimedia controller, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to connection instability and security concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station serves as an intermediary device between the portable control device and the multimedia controller. It provides a wired communication interface that converts signals from the portable device into IP messages for transmission over Ethernet or other cable connections, ensuring secure and reliable communication while maintaining ease of use through automatic connection when the portable device is placed in the docking station.
2Reliability
If wired redundant communication path is established via docking station, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station is designed as a multi-functional device that combines wireless signal reception, signal conversion to IP messages, wired communication interface, and automatic device detection. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into a single device, reducing overall system complexity while providing reliable redundant communication paths between the portable control device and multimedia controller.
Data Source
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AI summary
A docking station adapted to receive a touch-sensitive portable control device for communication with a programmable multimedia controller is provided. The docking station has a dedicated, wired redundant communication path coupling the docking station to the programmable multimedia controller for providing effective communication in the absence of wireless or unreliable wireless communications. The docking station is configured to receive signals from the portable control device and to bi-directionally transmit signals to and from said programmable multimedia controller. The portable control device has both wireless and wired compatibility, which includes a touch sensitive user interface configured with configuration information for allowing a user to make selections and enter settings regarding components interfaced with the programmable multimedia controller. The docking station converts the user entered signals into IP messages suitable for transfer over the dedicated, wired redundant communication path.