Hybrid Elevator Device Management via Protocol Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator environments are evolving into hybrid systems with devices from different manufacturers, each using different network management protocols, leading to separate device managements and making integrated device management difficult.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid elevator signalling network system with centralized converters and device management equipment that supports integrated device management by converting between different protocols, enabling scalable and proprietary-transparent management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different network management protocols are used by devices from different manufacturers, then device compatibility and choice are improved, but device management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A protocol conversion device is introduced as an intermediary between devices using different network management protocols. This converter receives management requests in one protocol, converts them to the appropriate protocol for the target device, and forwards them accordingly. This mediator approach enables devices from different manufacturers using different protocols to be managed through a single unified interface, resolving the contradiction between protocol diversity and management complexity.
2Reliability
If separate device managements are implemented for different protocol devices, then each device type can be managed with dedicated protocols, but overall system integration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol conversion device is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple different network management protocols simultaneously. It can receive requests in various protocols, identify the target device's required protocol, and convert accordingly. This universal approach allows a single device management system to manage diverse devices with different protocols, achieving both dedicated protocol support and system integration.
3Ease of operation
If proprietary devices with manufacturer-specific protocols are used, then device management is simplified within that manufacturer's ecosystem, but interoperability with off-the-shelf devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol conversion device acts as a bridge between proprietary devices using manufacturer-specific protocols and off-the-shelf devices using standard protocols. It receives standardized management requests, converts them to the proprietary protocol required by the target device, and forwards them appropriately. This enables seamless interoperability between different device ecosystems while maintaining the ease of operation benefits of proprietary protocols.
Data Source
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AI summary
To have an integrated device management for a hybrid elevator environment, at least one converter for converting device management messages according to a second protocol used by one or more peripheral devices to be according to a first protocol, which is used by the device management of the elevator environment, is added to the elevator environment. Further, the device management is configured to update, in response to receiving a device management message containing, as device information, at least an identifier of a peripheral device, network information to contain the device information in the device management message.