Reconfigurable Tower Light Emulating Legacy Models via Binary Code
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tower lights in industrial environments require complex configuration and replacement processes due to their fixed, hardwired nature, leading to costly and time-consuming maintenance when model changes occur.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable tower light (RTL) system that uses a device programming module (DPM) to generate binary machine instruction codes based on user inputs, allowing it to emulate legacy devices without requiring full understanding of their functionalities or unique part numbers, by parsing user inputs into configuration data structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tower lights are designed as fixed, hardwired devices, then they provide stable and reliable operation, but they require complex configuration and replacement processes when model changes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The tower light device is transformed from a fixed, hardwired configuration to a dynamically reconfigurable system. The controller can load different configuration data sets from memory, allowing the operational characteristics to be changed without physical reconfiguration. This enables the same hardware to adapt to different legacy device models while maintaining stable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the tower light through software configuration rather than physical reconfiguration. By storing multiple configuration data sets in memory and loading appropriate sets based on the legacy device model, the system can change its behavior parameters (illumination patterns, colors, sequences) without altering the physical hardware structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If legacy tower lights are replaced with new models, then updated functionalities are achieved, but extensive training and time-consuming configuration are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy or representation of the legacy device's operational characteristics through configuration data sets. By analyzing the legacy device model and generating corresponding configuration data that replicates its behavior patterns, the reconfigurable tower light can emulate the legacy device without requiring manual programming or extensive training on new functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration data sets are prepared in advance and stored in memory before runtime. When a legacy device model is identified, the corresponding pre-configured data set is automatically loaded, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site configuration and training. The system performs the configuration action beforehand through automated model analysis and data generation.
3Measurement precision
If unique part numbers are assigned to each legacy device replacement, then precise device identification is achieved, but the replacement process becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The reconfigurable tower light device is designed to serve multiple legacy device models through a single universal hardware platform. By using model analysis and automated configuration data generation, the system can identify and adapt to different legacy devices without requiring unique hardware variants or complex part number tracking, simplifying the replacement process while maintaining precise device identification.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and associated methods relate to configure a reconfigurable device. In an illustrative example, a device programming module (DPM) of the reconfigurable device may receive a user input indicating a model number of a legacy device. The DPM, for example, may identify the user-selected functions based on a first set of rules to determine predetermined functions of the legacy device. The DPM, for example, may generate a binary machine instruction code to configure the reconfigurable device to perform the identified predetermined device functions. The DPM may then transmit the binary machine instruction code to the reconfigurable device such that the reconfigurable device is configured to operate as the legacy device identified. Various embodiments may advantageously eliminate a need for studying the complete functionalities of the legacy device before programming the reconfigurable device, and a need for assigning unique part numbers to replacements of the legacy devices.