Portable Configurator for Network Device Output Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
In network devices with multiple outputs connected to output devices with different characteristics, correcting erroneously connected output devices is challenging due to difficulties in accessing the network device for rerouting cables, especially in applications where the network device is mounted high or requires physical reconfiguration like flipping DIP-switches.
Innovation Solution
A method using a portable configurator to remotely configure the outputs of a network device by initiating communication, activating output devices, detecting characteristic output signals, transmitting this information, and storing the mappings within the network device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical access to the network device is required for reconfiguration, then the output devices can be directly connected and configured, but the risk of injuries and work time increase when the device is mounted high above the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically accessing the network device to configure outputs with a wireless communication system. The portable configurator uses wireless communication (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) to transmit configuration data to the network device, eliminating the need for physical contact with the device and thereby removing the injury risk associated with working at heights.
2Reliability
If physical access to the network device is required for reconfiguration, then the outputs can be directly configured, but the work time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the time-consuming mechanical process of physical device access and manual configuration with automated wireless communication. The portable configurator automatically transmits configuration parameters to the network device via wireless link, dramatically reducing the time required for reconfiguration from potentially hours of physical work to minutes of wireless communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable configurator acts as an intermediary device between the user and the network device. It receives configuration commands from the user through a user interface and automatically transmits them to the network device via wireless communication, eliminating the need for the user to physically interact with the network device and thereby reducing reconfiguration time and complexity.
3Reliability
If DIP-switches or direct computer connection is used for reconfiguration, then the network device can be configured, but the ease of operation decreases due to the need for direct physical access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the cumbersome mechanical configuration methods (DIP-switches requiring physical flipping or direct computer connection requiring cable attachment) with wireless communication. The portable configurator establishes a wireless connection with the network device and transmits configuration data automatically, making the operation as convenient as using a smartphone or tablet application.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable configurator serves as a convenient intermediary that provides a user-friendly interface for configuration. Instead of requiring users to physically manipulate DIP-switches or connect computers with cables, the configurator allows configuration through wireless communication with a simple interface, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining full configuration capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method (200) for output configuration of a network device (101;300;400,410,420,430) by means of a portable configurator (102), wherein the network device has at least two outputs (101:0-11;D0:1-3,D1:1-3) connected to a respective output device (103a-d, 104a-d, 105a-d; 301a-b,302a-b,303a-b), wherein each output device has a characteristic output signal (α,β,γ), the method comprising a) initiating (S10) communication between the network device and the portable configurator; b) activating (S20) at least one of the output devices with respective output of the network device; c) detecting (S30) each characteristic output signal for each activation of the output devices; d) transmitting (S40) information related to the detected output signal from the portable configurator to the network device; c) storing (S50) the detected output signals mapping to respective output of the network device.