Ruggedized VoIP Device with Universal Application Platform
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ruggedized VoIP communication equipment lacks a touch screen interface, making it unable to withstand harsh environments such as extreme weather and hazardous locations, and requires specialized hardware for different operational modes, increasing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A configurable, multi-function VoIP unit with a touch screen display made from impact-resistant material, optically bonded to a liquid crystal display, and a ruggedized housing, capable of operating in various modes such as serverless page-party, access panel, and point-to-point intercom, using a universal application platform to reduce the need for specialized hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If specialized hardware is used for different operational modes, then device functionality is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single ruggedized VoIP device that can operate in multiple modes (access panel mode, intercom mode, page-party mode, and VoIP telephone mode) through software configuration rather than requiring separate specialized hardware for each function. This universal design allows one device to replace multiple mode-specific devices, reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying hardware configurations while maintaining full operational versatility across all modes
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hardware configurations are used for different modes, then functional requirements are met, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a universal ruggedized housing with a configurable interface that can be programmed through a web-based interface to perform different functions. Instead of manufacturing separate hardware for access panels, intercoms, and VoIP phones, the same hardware platform is produced once and then configured remotely for different operational modes, significantly reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the production process
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional display materials are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but resistance to harsh environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite construction where a standard liquid crystal display (LCD) is optically bonded to a touch-sensitive screen made from impact-resistant material. This composite structure combines the cost-effectiveness of conventional LCD technology with the environmental durability of ruggedized touch screen materials, allowing the display to withstand harsh conditions including extreme temperatures, moisture, and physical impact while maintaining affordability
Data Source
Figure 1A~1G
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A configurable, multi-function IP-based communication product has a touch screen display and common hardware set form factor that can be configured for use in any of a plurality of operational modes and can be ruggedized for use in harsh environments. The common hardware set form factor enables the IP-based communication product to be optimized for commercial use, that is, easily adapted for different applications and environments using a minimal number of housing configurations or features (e.g., tactile buttons or dials). The operational modes can include, but are not limited to, VoIP telephone, video streaming for video calls, intercom, alarm activation for a central public address/general alarm (PA/GA) system, a "serverless" page-party (SP2) system, voice product with FLASH, product with conference function, on-board communications device, and so on.