Test Instrument QR Code Data Transfer via Web Server

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for transferring data from test or measurement instruments to other devices are often cumbersome and require technical setup, such as using SCPI commands or USB memory sticks, which may not always be feasible.

Innovation Solution

A test or measurement instrument equipped with a memory, display, network interface, and processing unit that generates a machine-readable representation, such as a QR code, containing encoded address information of stored data files, allowing easy data transfer by scanning and decoding the QR code with a separate device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If data transfer is performed using SCPI commands or USB memory sticks, then data can be transferred from the test instrument to other devices, but the operation becomes cumbersome and requires technical expertise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of data transferVSAvoidtechnical setup requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a machine-readable code (barcode or QR code) as an intermediary element that bridges the test instrument and the external device. The code contains encoded address information that the external device can scan and automatically interpret, eliminating the need for manual SCPI command input or physical USB connectivity. This intermediary code simplifies the transfer process while maintaining data security through controlled access via the test instrument's web server.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If traditional data transfer methods are used, then data can be moved between devices, but the process is time-consuming and not always feasible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer efficiencyVSAvoiddata transfer time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-encoding the address information of stored data files into machine-readable codes before the transfer process begins. The test instrument's web server is prepared in advance with the necessary data files and their corresponding address information is encoded into barcodes or QR codes that are ready for immediate scanning. This eliminates the need for real-time data processing or complex setup during the actual transfer, significantly reducing transfer time and improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3734297B1Test or measurement instrument and method
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3734297B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3734297B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3734297B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a test or measurement instrument, comprising a test unit, a memory, a display, a network interface and a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to generate a machine-readable representation of data such as a QR code which comprises encoded address information of the data file stored in the memory. The processing unit is further configured to display the generated QR code on the display for enabling an external network device to download the stored data file via the network interface after having scanned the displayed QR code and decoded the address information encoded therein. The invention further relates to a method for enabling a network device to downloaded data stored in a test or measurement instrument.