Hybrid System Option Key Wireless Programming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional System Option Keys (SOKs) require individual programming and inventory in multiple configurations, necessitating advanced order fulfillment and inventory management due to their need for physical contact-based programming.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid chip with a radio frequency (RF) interface is integrated into the SOK, allowing programming through the shipping package using wireless signals, and a physical connection that disables reprogramming once the SOK is removed, enabling customization of generic products as orders are received.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical contact-based programming is used for System Option Keys, then programming can be reliably performed, but individual programming and inventory management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming reliabilityVSAvoidinventory management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based programming system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based programming system. The programmable device includes an antenna that receives wireless programming signals through the shipping package without physical contact, eliminating the need for complex physical connection mechanisms and manual programming procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal programming interface that works through the shipping package itself, allowing the same wireless programming method to be used for all System Option Keys regardless of their final configuration. This universal approach eliminates the need to maintain multiple programmed versions in inventory.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If System Option Keys are pre-programmed in multiple configurations, then order fulfillment can be expedited, but inventory costs and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorder fulfillment speedVSAvoidinventory quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs the programming action at the point of sale or delivery rather than during manufacturing. The System Option Key is programmed with the specific configuration needed for that customer's order right before it leaves the distribution center, using wireless signals transmitted through the shipping package.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the programming parameters dynamically based on customer orders. Instead of maintaining fixed pre-programmed configurations in inventory, the system allows the programmable device to be configured with different parameters (feature sets, options) at the time of delivery, adapting to each specific order requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the antenna is permanently connected to the programmable device, then wireless programming is enabled, but unauthorized reprogramming after delivery cannot be prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless programming capabilityVSAvoidprogramming authorization control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the antenna connection into two distinct phases: during shipping/package delivery, the antenna is connected to the programmable device for authorized programming; after delivery, the antenna connection is separated from the programmable device, preventing further programming attempts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic connection state for the antenna. The antenna connection is temporary and conditional - it exists during the shipping and programming phase, then is disconnected or deactivated after the programmable device is removed from the package, transitioning the system from a programmable state to a locked state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution simplifies manufacturing by allowing generic products to be customized post-sale, reduces inventory needs, and enables tracking through the supply chain, while maintaining compatibility with existing SOK devices.

Implementation Method 1

The antenna is adapted to receive wireless signals for programming the programmable device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS7902964B2Hybrid system option key

Publication Date: 2011.03.08 XEROX CORP

AI summary

Embodiments herein place a product and a programmable device within a shipping package, seal the shipping package, and program the programmable device by transmitting wireless signals to the programmable device, without opening the shipping package. Then, after the device is programmed, the shipping package can be shipped to the end user (consumer). The programmable device is adapted to be connected to the product after the product and the programmable device are removed from the shipping package by the end user to enable different features of the product, depending upon the wireless signals that were transmitted to the programmable device.