Multi-User Test System Automatic Configuration via User Profiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern electronic test systems are complex and require significant effort to configure for different users, leading to inefficient utilization and increased risk of errors due to the need for frequent reconfiguration.

Innovation Solution

A multi-user test system with an authentication device, profile database, and control device that automatically sets the measuring and testing device based on user profiles, allowing for quick and reliable configuration by linking user authentication to device settings and graphical user interface adaptations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple users share a single expensive test device, then device utilization efficiency is improved, but configuration time and error risk increase due to different user requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice utilization efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

User profiles are pre-configured with individual settings, parameterizations, and configurations before the user needs them. When a user authenticates, their pre-saved profile is automatically loaded, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration. This preliminary preparation of user-specific configurations directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining high device utilization while eliminating configuration time losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates and stores copies of user-specific configuration profiles in a database. Each user's settings are copied and saved as a reusable profile that can be instantly retrieved and applied. This copying mechanism allows multiple users to share the device efficiently without requiring time-consuming reconfiguration, as each user receives an instant copy of their preferred settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual reconfiguration is performed for each user, then device settings can be customized, but time expenditure and error sources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice customizationVSAvoiderror risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically loading the correct user profile and configuring the device settings without human intervention. After user authentication, the control device automatically retrieves the user's profile from the database and applies the configured settings, parameterizations, and UI customizations. This automated self-service eliminates manual reconfiguration errors while maintaining full adaptability to each user's needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback through automatic verification and application of user profiles. The control device continuously monitors user authentication and automatically applies the correct profile settings, ensuring that the device state matches the user's requirements. This closed-loop feedback mechanism prevents configuration errors by ensuring settings are always correctly applied without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex configuration options are provided, then device functionality is enhanced, but setup effort and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration optionsVSAvoidsetup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration system is segmented into separate user profiles, each containing a subset of configuration options relevant to that user. Instead of presenting all possible configuration options to every user, the system divides the configuration space into manageable profile segments. Each profile can be independently configured and stored, reducing the perceived complexity for each user while maintaining access to comprehensive device functionality through their personalized profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3676737B1Multi-user test system and method for configuring a multi-user test system
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3676737B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3676737B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to the automatic configuration of a measuring and testing device in a multi-user test system. In this case, individual users are first authenticated. An individual user profile can be created for authenticated users. The individual user profile can be stored in a user database. After an authentication of a user, the user profile can be read from the profile database and a measuring and testing device can then be automatically set in accordance with the user profile.