Table-Based Distributed Control for Consumer Electronics Networks

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for interconnecting consumer electronics require complex hardware and software configurations, making them difficult and expensive to set up and upgrade, especially when new products are added, and lack user-friendly access and real-time processing capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A digital data network system where each consumer electronics unit has a computer with state-event tables and constraint tables that allow for fast and dynamic configuration, enabling units to automatically adjust to new products and user patterns without a central server, allowing for plug-and-play functionality and adaptive behavior.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex hardware and software configuration is used to ensure proper interplay between different electronic consumer units, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic configuration where consumer electronics units self-identify and self-integrate into the network without technician intervention. The control device automatically detects new units, retrieves their information, and configures them based on predefined rules, eliminating the need for complex manual hardware and software configuration while maintaining system reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Product information, including configuration data and capabilities, is stored in advance in a database associated with each consumer electronics unit. This preliminary preparation of configuration data allows for rapid automatic configuration when units are added to the network, avoiding complex on-site configuration procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If special hardware configuration by trained technicians is used to ensure proper interplay, then system reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture and ease of operation worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterplay reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic configuration where the control device and consumer electronics units self-configure through automated processes. The control device automatically detects new units on the network, retrieves their information from databases, and configures interplay based on predefined rules, completely eliminating the need for trained technicians and simplifying installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual technician configuration processes are replaced with an automated information processing system. The control device uses software-based automatic detection, database queries, and rule-based configuration algorithms to replace the mechanical/manual configuration process that previously required trained technicians

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If new hardware and software configuration is performed when new products are added, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork adaptabilityVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Configuration data and product information are stored in advance in databases associated with each consumer electronics unit and in the control device. When a new unit is added to the network, the control device automatically retrieves pre-prepared configuration information from the database and applies it immediately, enabling rapid adaptation without time-consuming configuration procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically adapts to new products through self-service configuration. The control device autonomously detects new units, queries their information, and configures them based on predefined rules and database information, eliminating the need for manual configuration and significantly reducing the time required for network adaptation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Device complexity

If sequential evaluation of programmed if-then algorithms is used for control, then device complexity is reduced, but speed and productivity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol structure simplicityVSAvoidprocessing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic rule-based control where configuration rules are stored in a structured format that allows efficient retrieval and evaluation. The control device dynamically selects and applies appropriate rules based on the current network state and unit characteristics, achieving both simplicity and high processing speed through efficient rule management and evaluation mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7949727B2Table based distributed control for a network of consumer electronics

Publication Date: 2011.05.24 BANG & OLUFSEN AS

AI summary

A system with a number of consumer electronics units interconnected by a digital data network, each of the units comprising a computer for controlling the functioning of the unit itself and the functioning in interplay with the other units in the network. The computer is provided with at least one general table with interrelated table entrances, wherein each available functional state of the unit and each available interplay with other units is given by an entrance in this at least one table.