Instrumentation Device Configuration via Image Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Consumers face difficulties in configuring instrumentation devices, such as home security and energy management systems, due to cumbersome existing methods, which hinder widespread adoption and cause frustration.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize image capture devices to determine the identity of instrumentation devices, allowing them to be registered with a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) gateway, enabling communication and configuration through a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional configuration methods are used for instrumentation devices, then device functionality is achieved, but the configuration process becomes cumbersome and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration processVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual configuration procedures with automated optical recognition. An imaging device captures images of the instrumentation device, and image processing automatically extracts device identifiers and configuration information, eliminating the need for users to manually navigate complex configuration interfaces or input device parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The instrumentation device is equipped with an imaging device that automatically captures its own image and provides configuration data. The system performs self-identification and self-registration by processing the captured image to extract device identifiers, reducing the burden on users to manually configure device parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual configuration procedures are used, then device registration is possible, but user frustration increases and adoption is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice registration speedVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary configuration by automatically extracting device identifiers from images captured during the imaging process. Configuration data is prepared and stored in advance through automated image processing, so that when the device needs to be registered or accessed, the configuration is already completed or can be quickly retrieved without requiring users to go through lengthy manual setup procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing configuration methods are used, then device functionality is achieved, but integration with network resources becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork integration capabilityVSAvoidintegration process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a universal image-based configuration approach that can identify and register various types of instrumentation devices regardless of their specific protocols or interfaces. The image processing system extracts generic device identifiers that can be used to establish network connections and integrate with different computer and network resources, making the integration process consistent and simplified across diverse device types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10397014B2Method and system for configuring instrumentation devices

Publication Date: 2019.08.27 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

A method and system for managing an instrumentation device include accessing an image of the instrumentation device. Based on the image, an identity for the instrumentation device is determined. The identity is used to register the instrumentation device by configuring a gateway at a multimedia content distribution network client location to access and communicate with the instrumentation device. The identity of the instrumentation device and the gateway may be stored for future configuration of the gateway.