Network Control Signaling for Fast Subscriber Device Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In complex data technology networks, identifying and locating devices for troubleshooting or maintenance is difficult due to their standardized appearance and the need for physical access, which requires significant operational effort, especially when multiple devices need to be recognized.
Innovation Solution
A central device and system that uses different data technology protocols to generate and transmit control signals to subscriber devices, enabling them to output user-friendly identification signals such as light or sound, allowing for easy localization without additional equipment, and facilitating efficient operation by mediating between protocol levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices are connected in complex networks with standardized appearance, then network functionality and connectivity are improved, but device identification and localization become difficult requiring significant operational effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual signaling through light sources (LEDs) that emit different colors or patterns to indicate device identity, status, and location. This allows operators to quickly identify specific devices in complex networks without physical inspection, resolving the contradiction between network complexity and ease of device identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary identification system that mediates between the network infrastructure and human operators. This system translates device metadata (location, type, status) into human-perceptible visual signals, enabling easy device identification without requiring direct physical access or technical expertise.
2Ease of repair
If physical location of devices is required for troubleshooting and maintenance, then device accessibility is improved, but operational effort and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary visual identification signaling that allows operators to locate devices before physical access is needed. By displaying device location and status information through light sources, the system enables operators to navigate directly to the correct device, eliminating time-wandering and unnecessary physical inspections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical device identification methods (manual inspection, physical tags) with optical signaling systems. This substitution allows remote identification and localization of devices without requiring physical proximity or manual searching, significantly reducing time loss while maintaining ease of repair.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If additional equipment is used for device identification, then identification capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates identification functionality into existing network devices using multi-functional components. Light sources originally intended for status indication are repurposed or augmented to provide location and identification information, eliminating the need for separate identification equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables devices to self-identify through built-in light sources that automatically display device information. This self-service identification capability eliminates the need for external identification equipment or manual tagging, reducing system complexity while improving device detectability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a central device (30) for a data network, comprising an input interface (32) for receiving a request signal, a control unit (34) for generating a control signal depending on the received request signal, and at least one output interface (36) for transmitting the control signal to at least one subscriber device (41, 42, 43). The control signal is configured to control the subscriber device (41, 42, 43) to output a subscriber output signal for identifying a physical position of the subscriber device (41, 42, 43). The invention further relates to a system (10) for a data network with the central device (30) of the invention. The invention also relates to a method for operating a central device (30) in a data network, wherein at least one subscriber device (41, 42, 43) is assigned to the central device (30) via data connections.