Multi-Tier Factory Reset for Converged Communication Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Converged communication devices, such as portable radios, require factory resets for reconfiguration, which typically necessitate returning the device to the manufacturer, leading to downtime, cost, and risk of losing personalized settings.
Innovation Solution
A converged communication device with dual processors allows for factory reset without manufacturer intervention, enabling selective resets of either processor or both, triggered by external inputs, and suspends inter-processor communications to preserve mission-critical processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a factory reset is performed by returning the device to the manufacturer, then the device can be reconfigured, but downtime and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service factory reset functionality through automated detection of reset conditions and execution of reset procedures. The processor automatically detects when a factory reset is requested through various triggers (button combinations, timeout periods, environmental conditions) and executes the reset without requiring manufacturer intervention, thereby eliminating downtime and enabling on-site reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The device segments the factory reset function into independent processor-level operations. Each processor can be individually reset or both processors can be reset together, allowing selective reconfiguration of specific communication protocols (LMR, LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) while preserving other device functions, thus reducing overall downtime
2Ease of operation
If a factory reset is performed by returning the device to the manufacturer, then the device can be reconfigured, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs factory reset operations autonomously without incurring manufacturer service costs. The system automatically detects reset triggers and executes the reset procedure through its own processors, eliminating the need to ship devices to manufacturer facilities and associated shipping, labor, and facility costs
3Loss of time
If a factory reset is performed remotely, then downtime is reduced, but risk of losing personalized settings increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device implements partial factory reset capability where only selected processors or communication protocols are reset while preserving settings on other processors. Users can choose to reset only LMR settings while preserving LTE settings, or vice versa, allowing selective reconfiguration without complete loss of personalized settings
Solution Approach 2:
The reset function is segmented into processor-specific and protocol-specific reset options. The system can reset individual processors (application processor, baseband processor) or specific communication protocols independently, allowing granular control over what settings are cleared while preserving others
4Ease of operation
If multiple processors are reset simultaneously, then reconfiguration is simplified, but mission-critical processes may be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the reset operation into individual processor-level actions. Each processor can be reset independently or in a controlled sequence, allowing mission-critical processes on one processor to continue while non-critical processors are reset. The system detects which processes are mission-critical and preserves them during reset operations
Solution Approach 2:
The reset execution is made dynamic and adaptive based on real-time system state. The processor monitors ongoing processes and adjusts the reset sequence accordingly, delaying or skipping reset of processors running mission-critical processes while resetting other processors, thus maintaining reliability during reconfiguration
Data Source
AI summary
A converged communication device comprises a first processor operable using a first communications protocol and a second processor operable using a second communications protocol. The first processor is configured to detect a factory reset. The factory reset selectively enables one of a multi-tier factory reset comprising: a factory reset of both the first and second processor; a factory reset of the first processor only; and a factory reset of the second processor only. The configuration may be triggered by an external input to the converged communication device.