Router Adaptability for Heterogeneous Device Networking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current devices are unable to seamlessly integrate and communicate with each other across different ecosystems and communication technologies, limiting the use of heterogeneous devices for data transfer and media sharing.

Innovation Solution

A router with capability parameter receivers, device configurators, payload receivers, and distributors that adapt to connected devices' capabilities, supporting multiple protocols and interfaces, enabling seamless data exchange and media sharing across heterogeneous devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If devices use their own ecosystem and communication technologies, then device-specific functionality is optimized, but seamless networking and data exchange between heterogeneous devices is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidcommunication protocol diversity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The router serves as an intermediary device that receives capability parameters from connected devices, determines their communication capabilities, and automatically configures appropriate communication protocols and parameters to enable seamless data exchange between heterogeneous devices with different ecosystems and communication technologies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The router dynamically changes communication parameters such as data rates, modulation schemes, and protocol selections based on the capability parameters received from devices, allowing the system to adapt to different device capabilities while maintaining optimal communication performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a router supports multiple protocols and interfaces for heterogeneous devices, then device compatibility improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol supportVSAvoidrouter configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The router performs automatic self-configuration by receiving capability parameters from devices and autonomously determining the appropriate communication settings and protocols, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing system complexity despite supporting multiple protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The router pre-determines communication capabilities and configures appropriate parameters before actual data transmission begins, based on capability parameters exchanged during device connection, enabling seamless communication without complex runtime negotiations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3158689B1Router and method for receiving and distributing data
Publication Date: 2019.10.16 AUDI AG
  • EP3158689B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3158689B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3158689B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A router (RT) for receiving and distributing data (D) comprises a capability parameter receiver (FPE) for receiving capability parameters (FP) from at least two devices (Gi) that are connected to the router (RT). In addition, the router (RT) has a device configurator (GK) for selecting and/or configuring (120) at least one of the devices (Gi) taking account of the capability parameters (FP). Moreover, the router (RT) has a user data receiver (NDE) for receiving (130) data (D) from at least one of the devices (Gi) and a user data distributor (NDV) for distributing (140) data (D) to at least one of the devices (Gi). In addition, the invention relates to a corresponding method (100) for receiving and distributing data (D). Furthermore, a vehicle (FZ) having a router (RT) according to the invention is provided.