Switchboard Device Configuration Using Optical Identifier Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual configuration of electrical devices in electrical panels is laborious and error-prone, especially when dealing with large numbers of devices, which can lead to incorrect identification and adjustment, potentially causing safety issues and affecting the proper functioning of the electrical panel.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automatically configuring electrical devices in an electrical panel, which involves acquiring machine-readable configuration data, displaying visual identifiers on each device, using a user terminal with an optical sensor to capture images of the devices, and a processor to automatically compare identification information and apply adjustment parameters to matching devices, while identifying anomalies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual configuration is used for each electrical device, then the configuration process can be completed with simple equipment, but the time and labor required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration operations with an automated optical recognition system. A terminal device captures images of visual identifiers (QR codes, barcodes, or electronic display screens) on electrical devices, automatically extracts identification information, and configures devices without manual intervention, thereby dramatically improving configuration speed while reducing time consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual identifiers (optical copies) displayed on electronic screens or attached to electrical devices as copies of their identification information. The terminal device captures these optical copies through imaging, extracts the identification data, and uses it for automatic configuration, eliminating the need for manual reading and entry of device information
2Reliability
If manual configuration is performed, then equipment complexity remains low, but the risk of human error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual configuration operations with automated optical recognition and image processing. The terminal device automatically captures visual identifiers, extracts identification information, matches it with device lists, and configures electrical devices without human intervention, eliminating human error while maintaining system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the terminal device captures images of visual identifiers on electrical devices, automatically extracts and verifies identification information against the device list, and provides feedback on configuration status. This closed-loop verification process ensures configuration accuracy and reduces errors
3Productivity
If optical recognition is used for automatic configuration, then configuration speed improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a universal terminal device (smartphone, tablet, or computer) with integrated camera and processing capabilities that can serve multiple functions: capturing images of visual identifiers, extracting identification information, matching devices, and configuring electrical equipment. This multi-functional approach improves configuration efficiency without requiring complex dedicated hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual identifiers (QR codes, barcodes, or electronic display screens) as intermediaries between the electrical devices and the configuration system. These visual identifiers contain or link to identification information that the terminal device can easily capture and process, simplifying the interaction while improving configuration efficiency
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution significantly reduces the time and effort required to configure multiple electrical devices, minimizes the risk of human error, and ensures accurate identification and configuration of devices, thereby enhancing the reliability and safety of the electrical panel.
Implementation Method 1
by a user terminal comprising an optical sensor, acquiring an image showing the electrical devices present in the electrical panel, said acquired image comprising the visual identifiers displayed by each of said electrical devices
Data Source
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AI summary
Said method for configuring electrical devices in an electrical switchboard comprises the steps of: - acquiring (S200) machine-readable configuration data comprising a list of electrical devices to be set up; - displaying (S202) a visual identifier on an electronic display screen associated with each device; - acquiring (S204) an image showing the devices present in the switchboard with the visual identifiers displayed by each of the devices; - using a processor to compare (S206, S208) identification information for each device on the list with the identification information from the visual identifiers in the acquired image; for each device on the list having identification information which corresponds to the information from one of the visual identifiers in the acquired image, sending (S212) a setting parameter to be applied to the device.