Inter-main-apparatus Interface Device for Mixed-Standard Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing main apparatus systems cannot easily integrate first-standard and second-standard main apparatuses due to incompatible standards, leading to operational issues and high costs associated with system replacement when introducing new features or functions.

Innovation Solution

An inter-main-apparatus interface device with a control data interface and a content data interface allows a first-standard main apparatus to operate a second-standard main apparatus by supplying control data, enabling multiplexing and demultiplexing of data between base stations connected to both standards, facilitating seamless integration and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a first-standard main apparatus is connected to a second-standard main apparatus system, then system adaptability is improved, but operational compatibility deteriorates due to standard incompatibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem adaptabilityVSAvoidoperational compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An interface device is introduced as an intermediary between the first-standard main apparatus and the second-standard main apparatus system. The interface device includes a control data interface and a content data interface that enable the first-standard apparatus to operate the second-standard apparatus by supplying control data and enabling data relay through multiplexing and demultiplexing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the controller of the second-standard main apparatus is operated by control data from the first-standard main apparatus, then functional versatility is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface device serves as a mediator that manages the complexity of interfacing between different standards. It includes specific interfaces (control data interface and content data interface) that handle the complexity of control data supply and data relay, allowing the first-standard apparatus to control the second-standard apparatus without directly increasing the complexity of the core control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface device segments the data transmission into control data and content data, handling them through separate interfaces. This segmentation allows for specialized processing of control signals and content data, reducing the overall system complexity by dividing the interface functionality into manageable, specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing main apparatus systems are replaced to introduce new functions, then functional capability is improved, but loss of time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidsystem termination time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The interface device enables the second-standard main apparatus to inherit new functions from the first-standard apparatus without requiring full system replacement. This preliminary action of establishing an interface allows for incremental functional enhancement while avoiding the time-consuming process of complete system termination and replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2892218B1Inter-main-apparatus interface device, main-apparatus system including same, and inter-main-apparatus interface method
Publication Date: 2018.03.07 NEC PLATFROMS LTD
  • EP2892218B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2892218B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2892218B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is provided an inter-main-apparatus interface device which, even if a first-standard main apparatus and a second-standard main apparatus are gathered in a main apparatus system, enables both of main apparatuses to function normally. The device comprises a control data interface provided between the first-standard main apparatus and the second-standard main apparatus for operating a controller included in the second-standard main apparatus on the basis of control data supplied from the first-standard main apparatus, and a content data interface provided between the first-standard main apparatus and the second-standard main apparatus for enabling the second-standard main apparatus, as controlled by the controller operating on the basis of the control data, to relay by multiplexing and demultiplexing, content data sent and received by a base station connected to the first-standard main apparatus and content data sent and received by a base station connected to the second-standard main apparatus.