Network Device Customization via Rewritable Non-Volatile Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturers face challenges in delivering customized network devices using IEEE802.15.4-based protocols like ZIGBEE, as customers require unique parameter settings, leading to multiple software versions and increased costs and complexity, especially when customers lack the technical expertise to reprogram devices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes rewritable non-volatile memory in network devices to store customizable parameters, allowing a configuration tool to initialize these parameters using vendor-unique commands, enabling customization without modifying code or recompiling source code, and allowing customers to easily customize reference designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the manufacturer supplies source code to customers for customization, then customers can make customizations, but customers need technical expertise and equipment to reprogram devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a configuration tool as an intermediary between the manufacturer and customer. This tool provides a user-friendly interface that allows customers to customize device parameters without needing to directly modify source code or understand programming. The configuration tool translates customer selections into appropriate parameter settings, eliminating the need for customers to have technical expertise in reprogramming devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables customers to perform self-service customization through the configuration tool. Customers can independently select and apply custom parameter settings without requiring manufacturer assistance or specialized technical knowledge. The configuration tool guides customers through the customization process and automatically generates the customized firmware image.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the manufacturer creates multiple versions of reference design to meet customer customization requests, then customer-specific parameters are satisfied, but development cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates customizable parameters from the core reference design code. Instead of creating multiple complete software versions, the system segments the customization into individual parameters that can be independently configured. Each parameter can be customized without affecting the overall reference design structure, allowing the manufacturer to maintain a single base version while accommodating various customer requirements through parameter modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables customization by changing parameters rather than modifying the underlying code structure. The configuration tool allows customers to adjust specific parameters (such as network settings, operational modes, or performance thresholds) while the core reference design remains unchanged. This approach maintains code reusability across different customer applications and eliminates the need to manage multiple software versions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If customers reprogram all units themselves, then customization is achieved, but time and equipment requirements become overwhelming for large quantities
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration tool performs preliminary customization actions by generating complete customized firmware images before deployment to devices. Instead of requiring customers to reprogram each device individually, the system pre-configures all necessary parameter settings in the firmware image, which is then flashed to multiple devices simultaneously. This approach dramatically reduces the time and equipment requirements for customizing large quantities of devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of allowing a network device to receive a customized version of a reference design is disclosed. In one embodiment, many values that may be subject to customization are no longer fixed by the reference design. Rather, the reference design utilizes rewritable non-volatile memory to store a set of customization values that can be changed, based on a customer's preference. The system also includes a configuration tool, which interfaces with the network device. Using vendor-unique commands, the configuration tool is able to initialize this set of customization values to the values requested by the customer. In operation, the reference design is downloaded into the network device. The configuration tool is then used to establish the customized parameters for a particular customer. This process allows the manufacturer to create one reference design, which can be customized without the need to modify the code or recompile the source code.