ONT Remote Reset via Hook Flash Signal Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical network terminals (ONTs) often become unresponsive and require manual rebooting by service personnel, which is inconvenient due to their outdoor location and the need for power maintenance during outages.

Innovation Solution

A system that allows end users to remotely reset ONTs using a processor and memory to detect and count hook flash signals from telecommunication devices, interrupting and reestablishing power to the ONT based on a predefined sequence, enabling remote power cycling or software reset.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the ONT is secured and mounted in an outdoor location at the customer's premises, then the ONT is protected from damage and interference, but the customer cannot easily access the ONT to reset or reboot it when unresponsive

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveONT protection from damageVSAvoidAccessibility for reset operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables the ONT to reset itself automatically through remote power cycling triggered by hook flash signals from telecommunication devices. The ONT monitors for these signals and autonomously executes power interruption and restoration sequences without requiring manual intervention, thereby resolving the contradiction between secure mounting and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If service personnel manually restart the ONT when unresponsive, then the ONT can be rebooted, but it requires on-site visits and power maintenance during outages

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveONT reboot capabilityVSAvoidTime for service personnel visits

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The ONT automatically monitors for hook flash signals and executes self-reset operations without requiring service personnel presence. The system detects signals from telecommunication devices and autonomously cycles power to reboot the ONT, eliminating the need for manual service visits and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical action of manual power switching by service personnel with an automated electrical signal-based system. Hook flash signals from telecommunication devices trigger automated power cycling through the ONT's control circuitry, substituting mechanical intervention with electrical signal processing and automatic control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If the ONT requires manual resetting, then the system remains simple, but the customer experiences inconvenience and network downtime

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSystem simplicityVSAvoidCustomer convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ONT implements self-service functionality by automatically detecting hook flash signals from telecommunication devices and executing power cycling operations. This adds minimal complexity while dramatically improving ease of operation, allowing customers to reset the ONT conveniently without requiring service personnel intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8683237B2System and method for resetting power of optical network terminal when a number of predefined hook flash signals generated by a telecommunication device detected at the customer's premises

Publication Date: 2014.03.25 ESPI LLC

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a system and method to allow an end user to remotely reset or reboot an optical network terminal (ONT) and/or residential gateway that has become unresponsive or otherwise needs to be reset. In various aspects, the end user may initiate a sequence of hook flash signals from a telecommunication device that causes an ONT control system to power cycle the ONT.