Spreadsheet Web Interface for Device Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interface devices require complex design tools and software for configuration, making it difficult to modify their screens or properties without interrupting their operation, and there is a need for a more flexible approach to configure and reconfigure these devices, especially for remote access and integration with spreadsheet applications.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users to enumerate and edit objects and their properties on a web page, which can be imported into a spreadsheet application for modification and then updated back into the interface device, using a configuration computer to parse and delimit data for seamless integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex design tools and software are used to configure interface devices, then configuration capability is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses spreadsheet applications as a familiar copying interface that users already know, replacing complex proprietary design tools. Configuration data is copied between the web page, spreadsheet application, and interface device through standardized protocols, eliminating the need for specialized configuration software while maintaining full configuration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a web browser and spreadsheet application that serve multiple purposes - they can display configuration data, edit properties, and transfer information to the interface device. These universal tools replace dedicated configuration software, reducing complexity while maintaining versatility through the browser's ability to render HTML pages and spreadsheets' ability to handle tabular data.
2Adaptability or versatility
If code is compiled and downloaded to the interface device, then configuration is achieved, but ease of operation and adaptability worsen due to inability to modify during run-time
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic reconfiguration of interface devices during run-time by allowing users to modify configuration parameters through the web page and spreadsheet application without stopping device operation. The interface device receives updated configuration data and applies changes on-the-fly, transforming a static compilation model into a dynamic runtime model.
Solution Approach 2:
The web page and spreadsheet application serve as intermediaries between the user and the interface device configuration. Instead of directly compiling and downloading code, users interact with familiar spreadsheet interfaces, and the system mediates the translation of spreadsheet data into device configuration parameters, enabling easy modifications during operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If specialized configuration software is used, then configuration precision is achieved, but ease of operation and adaptability worsen due to remote access limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows users to configure interface devices remotely through standard web browsers and spreadsheet applications without requiring specialized configuration software installed on local machines. The interface device serves itself by accepting configuration data through standard protocols, enabling precise configuration from any location with web access.
Data Source
AI summary
A spreadsheet to web page conversion system and method is disclosed for remotely programming and configuring control and monitoring devices. The approach is based on receiving a web page from a monitoring device via a configuration computer. The web page includes data that is arranged in rows and columns, with each row corresponding to an object and each cell in each row corresponding to a property of the object. The computer is configured to receive a user selection of data in the web page. The selected data may then be enumerated by the monitoring device and sent to the computer. The computer may receive the enumerated properties of the objects and copy them from the web page to a temporary memory space on the computer. The computer may then paste the copied data from the temporary memory space into a spreadsheet application running on the computer for revision.