Relay Apparatus Multicast Setting Change

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing relay apparatuses in local networks require varied procedures for setting changes, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and using a microcomputer is expensive, necessitating a solution for changing settings without a microcomputer.

Innovation Solution

A relay apparatus with a receiver unit, setting changer unit, and change information sender unit that receives and applies rewrite information across multiple communication lines, allowing collective setting changes of multiple relay apparatuses without a microcomputer, using a common procedure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple relay apparatuses are used in a local network, then data relay capability is improved, but setting change complexity increases due to varied procedures for each apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata relay capabilityVSAvoidsetting change procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal setting change procedure that can be applied to multiple relay apparatuses of different types. The system uses a standardized communication protocol where setting change requests and responses follow a common format, allowing a single procedure to manage diverse relay apparatuses without requiring type-specific handling for each device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary communication protocol that mediates between the control system and multiple relay apparatuses. This protocol acts as a standardized interface layer, translating diverse relay apparatus settings into a unified communication format, thereby simplifying the setting change procedure across different device types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a microcomputer is used in relay apparatus, then setting flexibility is improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetting flexibilityVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The relay apparatus is designed to autonomously process setting changes through automated communication protocols. The system can self-configure and self-manage settings without requiring expensive microcomputers for complex control logic, as the intelligence is distributed through the communication protocol rather than centralized in costly hardware components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic control system (microcomputer) with a communication-based control approach. Instead of using a microcomputer to process and manage settings, the system uses standardized communication protocols to transmit and apply setting changes, thereby eliminating the need for expensive computing hardware while maintaining setting flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If setting change procedures are varied for each relay apparatus, then device-specific optimization is improved, but operation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice-specific optimizationVSAvoidsetting change time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes predetermined communication protocols and standardized response formats for setting changes. By pre-defining the communication structure, data formats, and interaction sequences, the system eliminates the need to develop and execute varied procedures for each relay apparatus during operation, thereby reducing setting change time while maintaining device-specific optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Manufacturing precision

If multiple relay apparatuses are configured individually, then configuration precision is improved, but labor requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration precisionVSAvoidlabor requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the configuration process of multiple relay apparatuses into a unified procedure. By combining setting change operations into a single standardized protocol that can address multiple devices sequentially or simultaneously, the system maintains precise configuration for each apparatus while dramatically reducing the total labor required compared to individual configuration approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10091703B2Relay apparatus

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 DENSO CORP

AI summary

A relay apparatus connected to communication lines to perform data relay between the communication lines is provided. The relay apparatus includes a receiver unit that receives rewrite information, which includes information for changing setting of the relay apparatus, from a source apparatus via any of the communication lines, a setting changer unit that changes the setting of the relay apparatus in accordance with the rewrite information, and a change information sending unit that sends the rewrite information to another relay apparatus existing in a local network.