OLED Cable Display for Network Port Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Organizations face difficulties in tracing and identifying the correct electronic device connected to cables due to large numbers of cables, faulty connections, and limited access, especially when troubleshooting issues that require knowledge of the original setup.

Innovation Solution

A display apparatus using organic light emitting diodes (OLED) is integrated into cable connections to provide real-time information about the connected devices, including port status, IP address, MAC address, and diagnostic information, which can be powered by the cables or a rechargeable battery, enabling immediate identification and validation of connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If traditional cable tracing methods (manual logging, barcoding) are used, then device identification is possible, but troubleshooting time and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetroubleshooting timeVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A display device is introduced as an intermediary component that attaches to the cable connector. This display device receives data from the electronic device and presents connection information directly at the cable endpoint, eliminating the need for manual tracing through logs or databases while keeping the core electronic device unchanged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the cable or connector to display its own identification and status information directly. The display device autonomously retrieves and shows connection details without requiring external systems or manual intervention, making troubleshooting immediate and intuitive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If detailed connection information is displayed, then connection validation is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection identification accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The display device operates in a periodic manner, updating connection information only when changes occur or when triggered by specific events. This allows the display to show detailed information when needed while remaining in a low-power state during stable connection periods, balancing information accuracy with power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If LED color coding is used, then basic status indication is provided, but detailed connection information is not available

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual status indicationVSAvoidconnection detail information
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The display device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides quick visual status indication through color-coded LEDs for immediate recognition, while also displaying detailed connection information such as device names, port identifiers, and IP addresses through an alphanumeric display, making it a universal indicator for both quick and detailed assessment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The display apparatus efficiently identifies and validates connections, reducing troubleshooting time by providing detailed information about device ports and connections, even in complex setups with many cables, and ensuring accurate identification of issues.

Implementation Method 1

A display apparatus using organic light emitting diodes (OLED) is integrated into cable connections

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOrganic Light-emitting Diode: Organic Light-emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS12147278B2Method for providing a display apparatus for computer networking and telephony cables
Publication Date: 2024.11.19 MITEL CORP
  • US12147278B2 patent drawing
  • US12147278B2 patent drawing
  • US12147278B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A display apparatus is configured to determine and display information related to one or more electronic devices. The display apparatus includes a housing having a screen, a processor, and at east a first apparatus port. A cable has a first end connected to the first apparatus port and a second end connected to a port of a first electronic device. The display apparatus receives information via an electronic signal from the first electronic device and is configured to display the information on the screen. In another embodiment, the display apparatus includes a second apparatus port, and a second cable has a first end connected to a second electronic device. The display apparatus receives information via an electronic signal from the second electronic device and is further configured to display that information on the screen.