Digital Multimeter Remote Display Automatic RF Binding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Digital multimeters with remote display units face issues with communication interference when multiple units are in close proximity, leading to incorrect data display, as existing addressing techniques fail to securely bind the remote display with its associated base unit, causing frustration during measurements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a communication system that automatically switches between RF and secure optical communication modes, exchanging unique addresses between the base unit and remote display to establish a bound communication pair, ensuring accurate and secure communication, even when units are mated or separated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If RF communication mode is used for remote display, then communication range is extended, but communication interference occurs when multiple DMMs are in proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical communication mode as an intermediary communication channel between the DMM and remote display. When multiple DMMs are in proximity, the system automatically switches from RF mode to optical mode, using light as a mediator to establish a secure, interference-free communication path that maintains reliability while preventing cross-talk between adjacent devices.
2Reliability
If optical communication mode is used for secure communication, then communication security is improved, but communication range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic communication system that automatically selects between RF and optical modes based on operational conditions. The system transitions from static single-mode communication to dynamic multi-mode communication, adjusting the communication method in real-time to optimize both security and range according to the specific operational context.
3Ease of operation
If automatic communication binding is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service communication binding where the DMM and remote display automatically exchange and store each other's identification codes without user intervention. The system performs self-configuration and automatic pairing, eliminating the need for manual setup while the complexity is managed through automated protocols that handle the binding process transparently.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution prevents communication interference from other devices, ensuring accurate data display and easy setup by automatically binding the remote display with its base unit, reducing user frustration and eliminating the need for complex setup routines.
Implementation Method 1
The communication circuitry is operative to provide electrical communication in a first RF mode between the base unit and the remote display unit
Implementation Method 2
In some exemplary embodiments, the second communication mode is an optical communication mode (e.g., an IR communication mode)
Data Source
AI summary
A method of automatically binding first and second devices for RF communication is disclosed. One step of the method involves establishing a secure, non-RF communication mode between the first and second devices. According to another step, first and second communication addresses respectively identifying the first and second devices are exchanged in the secure, non-RF communication mode such that the first and second devices will recognize each other as communication partners. The secure, non-RF communication mode is then terminated and an RF communication mode is established between the first and second devices as a first bound pair.