Communication Gateway Commissioning via Portable Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current commissioning processes for communication gateways in transportation systems are inefficient, error-prone, and lack monitoring capabilities, leading to cumbersome analysis and potential security vulnerabilities due to reliance on SMS for configuration and manual registration.

Innovation Solution

A method using a portable device to establish communication connections with the communication gateway and a server unit for automated configuration, monitoring, and error detection, enabling efficient commissioning and secure connectivity testing, with options for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, infrared, and other wireless connections for data transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If SMS is used for commissioning communication gateway, then configuration can be sent remotely, but the commission process cannot be monitored and controlled by a fitter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote configuration capabilityVSAvoidcommission status information
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the communication gateway sends status information about the commissioning process to the fitter's portable device. This allows real-time monitoring of commissioning status, enabling the fitter to track progress and identify issues without physical presence at the gateway location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a server unit as an intermediary between the communication gateway and the fitter's portable device. The server unit receives configuration data from the gateway, processes it, and sends status information back to the fitter, enabling remote monitoring and control through a centralized communication hub.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If SMS is used for commissioning communication gateway, then configuration can be transmitted, but errors cannot be detected and resolved efficiently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommissioning speedVSAvoiderror detection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides continuous feedback about the commissioning status and any errors encountered during the process. The communication gateway sends status information to the server unit, which then notifies the fitter of any issues, enabling timely detection and resolution without delaying the overall commissioning timeline.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary validation of configuration data before it is applied to the communication gateway. The server unit checks the validity of received configuration parameters in advance, preventing errors from occurring during commissioning and reducing the need for corrective actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If manual registration of communication gateway is performed, then connectivity can be established, but the process is time-consuming and extends installation duration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnectivity establishmentVSAvoidinstallation duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The communication gateway performs self-registration with the server unit automatically after commissioning. The gateway sends its identification and configuration data to the server, which processes and stores the registration information without requiring manual intervention, thereby reducing installation time while ensuring reliable connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs automatic registration as a preliminary action that occurs immediately after commissioning is complete. The gateway proactively initiates the registration process with the server unit, ensuring connectivity is established and recorded before the fitter finishes the installation, eliminating delays associated with manual registration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If wired communication devices are used in transportation system, then communication can be established, but the system cannot meet requirements of digital communication and mobile network services

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication connectionVSAvoiddigital communication capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the communication parameters from wired to wireless connections. The communication gateway is configured to support multiple communication protocols and interfaces, including wireless communication standards, enabling it to adapt to different communication requirements while maintaining reliable connectivity in the transportation system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The communication gateway is designed with multi-functionality to support both wired and wireless communication modes. It can establish communication connections through various protocols and interfaces, making it universally applicable to different communication scenarios and capable of providing digital communication and mobile network services as required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3947231B1Method and system for commissioning of a communication gateway
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 INVENTIO AG
  • EP3947231B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3947231B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3947231B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention refers to a method (100) for commissioning a communication gateway (10) with a portable device (20) in a transportation system (30). The method comprising the steps of: Establishing (Sl) a communication connection (1) from the portable device (20) to the communication gateway (10) of the transportation system (30); Transmitting (S2) configuration data from the portable device (20) to the communication gateway (10) of the transportation system (30) using the established communication connection (1), wherein the configuration data comprise a gateway identifier identifying this transportation system (30); Establishing (S3) a further communication connection (2) from the communication gateway (10) to a server unit (40) using the configuration data, and Initiating (S4) a communication gateway software deployment from the server unit (40) to the communication gateway (10) by using the established further communication connection (2) for commissioning the communication gateway (10) in the transportation system (30).