Peripheral Device Protocol Auto-Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual configuration of peripheral devices in electronic systems, such as point-of-service systems, is time-consuming and costly due to the need for technical expertise, often resulting in incorrect installations and unnecessary repairs when untrained personnel attempt to install and configure devices.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that automates the configuration of peripheral devices by using a driver to detect the connection protocol of the device and instruct it to reconfigure to a protocol that supports configuration, allowing for automated setup and reducing the need for manual barcode scanning and technical expertise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual configuration method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but installation time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidconfiguration process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The peripheral device automatically detects the host device and configures itself by switching communication protocols without manual intervention. The device monitors for host connection, detects the first protocol, switches to the second protocol, and receives configuration data automatically, eliminating the need for manual barcode scanning or technical expertise during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The peripheral device is pre-programmed with the capability to automatically switch communication protocols and configure itself. The driver software is pre-installed on the host device to detect and initiate the configuration process automatically when a peripheral device is connected, eliminating the need for manual setup procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If manual barcode scanning is required, then communication protocol switching is achieved, but installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration speedVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The peripheral device automatically monitors for host device connection and initiates protocol switching without requiring manual barcode scanning. The device detects when connected to a host device, automatically switches from the first communication protocol to the second protocol that supports configuration, and receives configuration data automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The driver software is pre-installed on the host device to automatically detect peripheral device connections and initiate the configuration process. The system is pre-configured to automatically switch protocols and transfer configuration data without requiring manual intervention or barcode scanning during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If untrained personnel install devices, then labor cost decreases, but installation accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidconfiguration accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The peripheral device automatically configures itself by detecting the host device and switching communication protocols without requiring technical expertise. The device monitors for host connection, detects the first protocol, switches to the second protocol, and receives configuration data automatically, making the installation process as simple as connecting the device while ensuring accurate configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The driver software provides automatic feedback by detecting the peripheral device connection and initiating the configuration process. The system monitors the communication protocol and automatically switches when needed, providing real-time feedback that ensures correct configuration without requiring technical knowledge from the installer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Extent of automation

If automated protocol switching is implemented, then installation automation is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration automationVSAvoidcommunication protocol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The peripheral device automatically monitors for host device connection and initiates protocol switching without manual intervention. The device detects when connected to a host device, automatically switches from the first communication protocol to the second protocol that supports configuration, and receives configuration data automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The driver software is pre-installed on the host device to automatically detect peripheral device connections and initiate the configuration process. The system is pre-configured to automatically switch protocols and transfer configuration data without requiring manual intervention during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP1974521B1Method for configuring an electronic device
Publication Date: 2019.07.31 SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • EP1974521B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1974521B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Described is a system and method for configuring an electronic device. The method comprises detecting a coupling of a peripheral device to a host device. A first protocol utilized by the peripheral device is identified. An instruction is transmitted to the peripheral device. The instruction directs the peripheral device to reconfigure itself to use a second protocol.