Electrical Device Automatic Configuration via Embedded Installation Component
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for configuring electrical devices with computers require external media like CD-ROMs, increasing manufacturing costs and complicating the installation process, which is prone to interference from unrelated computer issues.
Innovation Solution
An electrical device system that automatically configures itself by establishing a data connection with a computer and executing software to set up either dynamic or non-dynamic network connections without external media, using components like a computer communications component and an installation component to determine configuration status and initiate the configuration process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external media (CD-ROM, floppy disc) containing installation software is used, then the electrical device can be configured to function properly, but manufacturing cost increases and installation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the installation software from external media and embeds it directly within the electrical device's memory. This eliminates the need for CD-ROMs or floppy discs, reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the installation process while maintaining configuration reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate normally and simultaneously contain embedded installation software that can be executed to configure itself. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external media, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If external media containing installation software is used, then the electrical device can be configured, but the installation process is prone to interference from unrelated computer issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the installation software execution environment from the host computer's external media drive system and relocates it to the electrical device's own embedded memory and processor. This isolation eliminates interference from CD-ROM drive failures or other computer-related issues that would otherwise prevent installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical device's embedded processor acts as an intermediary that executes the installation software independently within the device itself, rather than relying on the host computer's external media system. This intermediary execution environment protects against harmful factors from the host computer while maintaining configuration reliability.
3Reliability
If external media containing installation software is used, then the electrical device can be configured, but extra steps are added to the installation process
Solution Approach 1:
The installation software is pre-loaded and embedded within the electrical device's memory during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for users to insert external media and manually start installation processes, reducing installation time while maintaining reliability through automated execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical device is designed to automatically execute its embedded installation software without requiring user intervention to insert external media or navigate installation menus. The device serves itself by autonomously initiating and completing the configuration process from its embedded memory, reducing both time and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system (100) capable of configuring an electrical device (101) coupled to a computer (102), the system includes: (a) a computer communications component (111) of the electrical device configured to communicate with the computer; and (b) an installation component (120) of the electrical device capable of an initial configuration the electrical device. In this embodiment, the installation component is configured to automatically begin the initial configuration of the electrical device as soon as the installation component detects the electrical device is not configured and the computer communications component establishes a data connection between the electrical device and the computer. Furthermore, the initial configuration of the electrical device includes an initial configuration of either a dynamic or non-dynamic network connection between the electrical device and a network provider.