Network Device Use Case Configuration via Web Server

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for setting up collaboration networks across multiple locations are cumbersome, requiring reconfiguration and reprogramming for each new use case, limiting flexibility and efficiency, especially when switching between or adding new use cases, often necessitating technical intervention and manual reconfiguration.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for configuring network devices that utilize a web server, non-volatile memory, and multiple network devices to create and manage electronic lists of devices, use-case labels, and Boolean logic expressions, allowing for automatic configuration and switching between use cases without manual intervention, enabling seamless adaptation to different use cases and adding new devices dynamically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional methods are used to set up collaboration networks, then devices can be configured for specific use cases, but reconfiguration and reprogramming are required for each new use case, increasing time and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuse case adaptabilityVSAvoidreconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring network devices with multiple use case profiles and storing them in non-volatile memory. When a use case change is needed, the system automatically retrieves and applies the appropriate pre-configured settings, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration at the time of use case change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The network devices are equipped with automatic self-service capabilities through the web server interface. The system can autonomously detect the current use case requirements and automatically reconfigure itself by selecting from pre-stored configurations, without requiring technical personnel intervention or manual reprogramming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual reconfiguration is performed for each use case, then devices can be adapted to specific requirements, but technical intervention and possible visits to different locations are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuse case configurationVSAvoidconfiguration ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service configuration through a web-based interface that allows end users to independently select and apply different use case configurations. The automatic detection and application of appropriate settings eliminates the need for technical personnel to visit different locations for manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The web server acts as an intermediary between the user and the network device configuration. It provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies the complex reconfiguration process, allowing users to easily switch between use cases without needing to understand the underlying technical details or manually reprogram devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If devices are reprogrammed for new use cases, then functionality can be extended, but the process is complex and requires technical expertise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality extensionVSAvoidreprogramming complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring and storing multiple use case profiles in non-volatile memory during device setup or by authorized personnel. This preliminary configuration includes all necessary programming and settings, which are then automatically applied when needed, eliminating the need for complex on-demand reprogramming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses copying by creating and storing duplicate configuration sets for different use cases in non-volatile memory. Instead of reprogramming from scratch each time, the system copies and applies the appropriate pre-configured profile, significantly reducing complexity and the need for technical expertise during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Adaptability or versatility

If conventional configuration methods are used, then devices can serve specific use cases, but switching between use cases is not practically feasible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuse case switchingVSAvoiduse case switching speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring multiple use case profiles and storing them in non-volatile memory. This allows instant switching between use cases by simply retrieving and applying the appropriate pre-configured profile, dramatically increasing switching speed and making frequent use case changes practically feasible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic use case switching capabilities that allow real-time changes without manual intervention. The web server interface enables users to dynamically select different use cases, and the system automatically adapts the network device configuration in real-time, making the switching process as flexible and responsive as other dynamic system parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3989521A1Method and system for streaming data over a network
Publication Date: 2022.04.27 BARCO NV
  • EP3989521A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3989521A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3989521A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a method and system for configuring network devices for streaming electronic media data over a computer network. The network comprises type 1- and type 2 network devices and the data can be streamed from a type 1 network device to a type 2 network device according to an electronic value. A use-case comprises a collection of such electronic values.