Programmable Multimedia Controller User Access and Configuration Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multimedia control systems lack flexible user access management and efficient device configuration sharing, leading to increased configuration time and costs, as well as resource and network demand.

Innovation Solution

A programmable multimedia controller system that utilizes user profiles with usernames and passwords for access control and shares device configurations across similar devices, reducing the need for individual configurations and optimizing resource usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If individual device configurations are created for each device, then device functionality and user interface customization are improved, but configuration time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a master device configuration that can be copied and distributed to multiple similar devices. This configuration includes graphics data, system commands, and state information that can be replicated across the device family, eliminating the need to create individual configurations for each device while maintaining consistent functionality and user interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The master device configuration serves multiple functions: it acts as a template for all similar devices, a distribution source for configuration data, and a reference for maintaining consistency across the device family. This universal configuration approach allows one configuration to serve multiple devices simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If individual device configurations are created for each device, then device customization is improved, but configuration cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice customizationVSAvoidconfiguration cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By copying the master device configuration to multiple devices, the patent eliminates the need for separate configuration creation for each device. This reduces labor costs and manufacturing complexity while maintaining the ability to customize devices through the master configuration template.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Extent of automation

If device configurations are distributed from the programmable multimedia controller to each device, then centralized control is improved, but network demand and controller resource usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentralized controlVSAvoidnetwork demand
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the configuration distribution function by allowing devices to obtain configurations from master devices within their local networks rather than requiring all devices to communicate directly with the central programmable multimedia controller. This reduces the network burden on the controller while maintaining configuration management capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The master device acts as an intermediary between the programmable multimedia controller and other similar devices. The controller configures the master device, which then distributes configurations to other devices locally, reducing direct communication requirements between the controller and all devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If user profiles with access control are implemented, then user security and system protection are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser securityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments user access into distinct profiles with different permission levels (master users, standard users, restricted users). Each profile has specific access rights and capabilities, allowing security management through modular user types rather than a monolithic access control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2619993B1Programmable multimedia controller with flexible user access and shared device configurations
Publication Date: 2016.03.30 SAVANT SYSTEMS INC
  • EP2619993B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2619993B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2619993B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system which includes a programmable multimedia controller is provided in which flexible user access is provided through a combination of user profiles and usernames/passwords. A configuration for a given device which may form part of the system or may interoperate with the system may be shared by multiple similar devices. A sharable device configuration is stored by a master device and can be shared by other devices of the same type as the master device.