MDB Adapter Module for External Peripheral Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic peripheral devices embedded in machines lack external access, limiting their functionality and requiring persistent network connections for cashless payments, which are unreliable in areas without internet connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A mobile-device-to-machine payment processing system that decouples electronic peripheral devices from machine controllers, enabling wireless communication between mobile applications and peripheral devices, allowing cashless payments over non-persistent network connections through an adapter module and mobile device, eliminating the need for traditional network connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic peripheral devices are embedded in machines with persistent network connections, then reliable cashless payments can be made, but the system requires internet connectivity which is unavailable in many areas and increases operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the peripheral device and the network. The mobile device establishes a temporary peer-to-peer wireless connection with the peripheral device, allowing data transmission without requiring the peripheral device to have a persistent network connection. This mediator approach enables cashless payments in areas without internet connectivity while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches from a static embedded architecture to a dynamic external access model. The peripheral device can operate in two modes: traditional embedded mode with machine controller access, and external access mode where mobile devices can temporarily connect via wireless communication. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to function reliably whether or not persistent network connections are available.
2Reliability
If electronic peripheral devices are embedded in machines, then they provide dedicated functionality, but they lack external access and require machine power supply and processing systems to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the peripheral device from the machine controller by introducing an adapter module that interfaces between them. The adapter module contains its own processing capabilities and can communicate with the peripheral device independently, allowing the peripheral device to be accessed externally without being fully dependent on the machine's power supply and processing system. This segmentation reduces system dependency while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter module serves as an intermediary between the machine controller and the peripheral device. It provides a communication bridge that allows mobile devices to access the peripheral device wirelessly without requiring the machine controller to be involved in every transaction. This intermediary approach maintains peripheral device functionality while reducing complexity by externalizing access pathways.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional embedded peripheral devices are used, then they provide stable operation, but they require persistent network connections for cashless payments which are unavailable in areas without internet connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring continuous persistent network connections, the system uses periodic temporary wireless connections initiated by mobile devices. Each mobile device connection is a time-limited event where the device temporarily pairs with the peripheral device via Bluetooth or similar wireless technology, performs the necessary transaction, then disconnects. This periodic action model maintains operational stability while eliminating the need for continuous network connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device acts as a temporary intermediary that bridges the gap between the peripheral device and cashless payment functionality. By using the mobile device's existing network connectivity and processing capabilities, the system achieves cashless payment adaptability without compromising the stable operation of the embedded peripheral device. The intermediary handles all network communication, leaving the peripheral device's operational environment unchanged.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a slave interface configured for coupling to a machine controller of a machine via a multi-drop bus (MDB), a host interface configured for coupling to a first peripheral device of the machine, and memory storing one or more programs to be executed by the one or more processors and comprising instructions for: registering the electronic device as a slave to the machine controller, registering the first peripheral device as a slave to the electronic device, receiving from a mobile device a request to access signals generated by the first peripheral device, validating the request, and sending a reset command to the first peripheral device via the host interface, the reset command including a directive to update a signal destination address of the first peripheral device from a controller address of the machine controller to a device address of the electronic device.