Web-Based Interface Configuration System for Automatic Test Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interface systems for automatic test equipment are complex and require manual compatibility verification by integrators, lacking an efficient method for configuring and ensuring compatibility between various components from different manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for designing electrical interconnect devices using a web-based approach, where instrument IDs, slot numbers, and interface component identifiers are entered to generate a configuration preview, ensuring compatibility and providing data links for verification, with the ability to generate and send price quotations and allow configuration amendments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual compatibility verification by integrators is used, then component compatibility can be ensured, but the configuration process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service configuration by allowing users to independently select and configure interface components through a web-based interface. The automatic compatibility verification eliminates the need for manual integrator intervention, enabling users to complete configurations faster while maintaining reliability through automated checks against compatibility databases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of integrator verification with an automated electronic system. The web-based configurator uses software algorithms to automatically check component compatibility against stored databases, substituting human manual verification with automated computational processes that are both faster and more reliable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration processes are used, then flexibility in customization is maintained, but manual errors increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The web-based configurator serves multiple functions: it allows flexible component selection, automatically verifies compatibility, generates configurations, and provides pricing information. This multi-functional system maintains configuration flexibility while dramatically improving productivity by handling all these tasks through automated processes rather than manual procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms that automatically notify users of compatibility issues or configuration errors as they build their configurations. This immediate feedback prevents errors from propagating and allows users to correct issues promptly, maintaining flexibility while improving overall efficiency through error prevention.
3Reliability
If comprehensive compatibility verification is performed, then system reliability improves, but the complexity of the configuration process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex compatibility verification logic from the user's direct control and places it in the background automated system. Users interact with a simplified web interface that handles the complex verification processes automatically, extracting the complexity from the user-facing process while maintaining comprehensive reliability checks.
Solution Approach 2:
The web-based configurator acts as an intermediary between the user's configuration requests and the complex compatibility verification databases. It mediates by automatically translating user selections into compatibility checks and returning simplified results, shielding users from the underlying complexity while ensuring comprehensive verification.
4Productivity
If automated configuration systems are implemented, then productivity and efficiency improve, but the need for manual verification and oversight may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system empowers users with self-service capabilities to independently configure interface systems without requiring manual verification by integrators. Users can complete entire configuration processes through the automated web-based system, improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation through an intuitive interface that requires no specialized knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system provides continuous feedback to users throughout the configuration process, including compatibility status, configuration validity, and error notifications. This feedback mechanism maintains user control and verification capability while enabling automated processing, ensuring users remain engaged and informed without sacrificing productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for designing an electrical interconnect device. The method comprises the steps of entering an instrument ID into a computer through an input device, entering a slot number corresponding to the instrument ID into the computer through the input device, entering an interface component identifier into the computer through the input device, associating the interface component identifier with the instrument ID and the slot number in a database in the computer, generating and displaying on a computer display a preview of a configuration of an electrical interconnect device, wherein the preview comprises a table showing the instrument ID, the slot number, the interface component identifier and an association between the interface component ID and the instrument ID, and wherein the interface component ID shown in the preview comprises a link to data associated with the interface component, and displaying in a separate window on the computer display the data associated with the interface component.