Measurement Application Management via Downloadable Program Packages
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern measurement application devices lack flexibility in adapting to new measurement applications or functions required by users, as manufacturers often cannot predict the specific needs of users.
Innovation Solution
A measurement application management device that communicates with a data source to identify, retrieve, and download program packages to enhance the functionality of measurement application devices, allowing flexible updates and adaptations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If measurement application devices are provided with a fixed set of functionality, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability and versatility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The functionality of the measurement application device is segmented into a core fixed part and extensible program packages. The device comprises a controller configured to execute program packages that can be downloaded from external data sources, allowing the core device to remain relatively simple while functionality is divided into separate, interchangeable modules (program packages) that can be added as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed with universal capability to execute different types of program packages from various data sources. The controller can retrieve, store, and execute program packages that provide diverse measurement applications, making a single device capable of performing multiple functions through software rather than requiring dedicated hardware for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If measurement application devices have fixed functionality, then ease of operation is improved for basic tasks, but adaptability to new measurement applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a static, fixed-functionality design to a dynamic system where the controller can retrieve, store, and execute different program packages. This dynamic capability allows the device to adapt its functionality based on measurement requirements while maintaining ease of operation through automated program retrieval and execution management.
Solution Approach 2:
Program packages serve as intermediaries between the user's measurement needs and the device's execution capability. The controller acts as an intermediary that manages the retrieval, storage, and execution of these program packages from external data sources, shielding the user from complexity while enabling adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manufacturers provide comprehensive functionality upfront, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Program packages are prepared and stored in advance in external data sources. The controller is pre-configured with the capability to retrieve and execute these packages, but the actual measurement applications are obtained on-demand rather than being built into the device from the start. This preliminary preparation of program packages enables flexibility without increasing the base device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a measurement application management device comprising a communication interface configured to communicatively couple the measurement application management device to a data source that provides program packages for a measurement application device that is managed by the measurement application management device, a measurement application device identification controller configured to identify the measurement application device, a program package retrieval controller configured to retrieve a list of program packages for the identified measurement application device, and a download controller configured to download at least one of the program packages to the identified measurement application device. Further, the present disclosure provides a respective measurement application device, and a respective data source.