Mobile Network Module for Automatic Device Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Forming and managing large device networks, such as lighting systems, is a time-consuming and difficult task due to the need for manual configuration and potential errors in joining the correct network among multiple available options.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a mobile network module connected to network devices and configuration devices, which automatically configures devices to join a network upon power-on, using device configuration data that includes network and application settings, ensuring secure and correct network access without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual configuration and channel scanning methods are used for network device joining, then devices can be connected to networks, but the process becomes time-consuming and difficult for large networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring network devices with device configuration data before they are deployed to the network. The mobile network module reads and stores this configuration data in advance, so that when devices need to join the network, they can do so immediately without time-consuming channel scanning or manual configuration, thus resolving the contradiction between network deployment speed and configuration time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the device configuration data stored in the mobile network module - that mediates between the device and the network. This intermediary contains pre-prepared network credentials and parameters, allowing devices to join networks efficiently without direct interaction or scanning, thereby improving productivity while reducing time loss
2Ease of operation
If devices perform channel scanning to find available networks, then they can discover network options, but they cannot distinguish which network is the correct one to join among multiple available options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring devices with specific network identification information and credentials before deployment. This allows devices to directly identify and join the correct network without performing channel scans that would expose them to multiple network options, thereby improving network joining accuracy and eliminating the risk of erroneous joining
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the network selection decision-making process from the device's operational phase and moves it to the configuration phase. By taking out the network identification task and completing it beforehand through pre-configured data, the device simply needs to execute the predetermined joining process, thus improving ease of operation and reliability
3Ease of manufacture
If manual configuration processes are used for each network device, then devices can be properly configured, but the process becomes difficult and error-prone for large numbers of devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling devices to automatically configure themselves using pre-stored device configuration data. The mobile network module autonomously reads, stores, and applies configuration information without requiring manual intervention for each device, thereby simplifying the configuration process and reducing errors even when deploying large numbers of devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing all necessary configuration data in advance during device manufacturing or initialization. This pre-configured information is stored in the mobile network module, allowing devices to self-configure automatically when deployed, thus improving ease of manufacture while reducing the complexity of the actual deployment process
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for forming a network of network devices, the method including providing a plurality of network devices in a physical environment, each of the plurality of network devices being controllable by a mobile network module connectable to the network devices. A network configuration device with a memory unit for storing device configuration data connects a mobile network module to the network configuration device. The mobile network module reads out the device configuration data stored in the memory unit of the network configuration device. The mobile network module connects to a network device and configuring the network device, based on the device configuration data.