Network Apparatus Configuration via Server-Mediated Translation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for configuring network-connected apparatuses require a standard interface and protocol for transmitting configuration information, limiting their applicability to the same type of apparatuses and not allowing automatic selection of the source for configuration copying, which increases costs and complicates user setup.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus configuration system where a home server selects a user's apparatus based on radio field intensity measurements to automatically set configuration information using configuration translation rules and adapters, allowing configuration information to be shared between different types of apparatuses without a standard interface or protocol.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If configuration information is transmitted between apparatuses using a standard interface and protocol, then automatic configuration setting is enabled, but design and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic configuration settingVSAvoiddesign and manufacturing costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that mediates between the target apparatus and source apparatuses. The server obtains configuration information from source apparatuses, translates it using translation rules, and transmits it to the target apparatus. This eliminates the need for direct standard interfaces between apparatuses, reducing design and manufacturing costs while maintaining automatic configuration capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If configuration information is copied from apparatuses of the same type, then automatic setting is achieved, but configuration sharing between different types of apparatuses is not allowed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic configuration settingVSAvoidconfiguration sharing across different apparatus types

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of apparatus compatibility by introducing translation rules that map configuration items between different apparatus types. The server translates configuration information from source apparatuses of any type to match the target apparatus's configuration structure, enabling automatic configuration sharing across different apparatus types while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the user manually determines the copy source apparatus, then configuration information can be selected, but user operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser selection capabilityVSAvoidtime for determining copy source

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the server to automatically select appropriate source apparatuses based on configuration similarity and user preferences without requiring manual user intervention. The server autonomously determines which apparatuses have suitable configuration information to copy, reducing user operation complexity and time loss while preserving selection capability through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables automatic configuration of apparatuses without user intervention, reduces design and manufacturing costs, and allows configuration information to be shared across different types of apparatuses, ensuring optimal operation.

Implementation Method 1

selects an apparatus being used by a user of the setting processing target apparatus among the setting processing source apparatuses

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio field intensity measurement: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS7792932B2System and method for providing configuration information of network-based apparatus

Publication Date: 2010.09.07 HITACHI LTD

AI summary

A method for automatically configuring an apparatus is provided by an apparatus configuration system including a plurality of apparatuses connected to a network, wherein the apparatuses include at least setting processing source apparatuses in which configuration information for configuring apparatus operation is stored, and a setting processing target apparatus for which the configuration information is to be set, and wherein at least one of the apparatuses has a setting processing execution unit that selects an apparatus being used by a user of the setting processing target apparatus among the setting processing source apparatuses and sets the configuration information about the setting processing target apparatus based on the configuration information stored in the selected apparatus.