Terminal Device Automatic Network Configuration via Server

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing voice communication systems using wireless LAN require cumbersome manual configuration for each terminal device when relocated between different bases, increasing workload and complexity, especially when used by multiple users across various bases.

Innovation Solution

A terminal device with a network communication unit, control unit, and operation unit that stores and retrieves network configuration information from non-volatile storage, allowing automatic connection to different networks by accessing servers for terminal configuration and identification, facilitating rapid reconfiguration when moved between voice communication systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual configuration is performed for each terminal device when relocated between bases, then the terminal device can be properly configured for the specific base, but the workload and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration workload
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device automatically obtains configuration information from a server through network communication, eliminating the need for manual configuration. The device autonomously retrieves base-specific parameters, network settings, and service configurations, thereby reducing workload while ensuring accurate base-specific configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Configuration information is pre-stored on the server for multiple bases. When the terminal device relocates, it automatically retrieves the appropriate pre-prepared configuration data corresponding to the new base, avoiding the need for on-site manual configuration and ensuring rapid adaptation to the new environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If configuration is changed manually every time the terminal device is relocated, then the device adapts to the new base, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebase relocation adaptabilityVSAvoidreconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device automatically detects its location and retrieves appropriate configuration information from the server without human intervention. This self-service mechanism enables rapid adaptation to new bases, significantly reducing reconfiguration time while maintaining full adaptability to different base environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

All possible configuration scenarios for different bases are pre-prepared and stored on the server. When relocation occurs, the device quickly retrieves the appropriate pre-configured data set, enabling immediate adaptation to the new base without time-consuming manual reconfiguration processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If configuration information is stored only in volatile memory, then the device operates quickly, but the information is lost when power is turned off

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration access speedVSAvoidconfiguration data retention
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Configuration information is segmented into two storage locations: volatile memory for active, high-speed access during operation, and non-volatile memory for persistent storage of base-specific configuration data. This segmentation allows the device to maintain fast access speeds while preserving configuration information across power cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Configuration information is pre-loaded into volatile memory from non-volatile storage when the device starts up or when relocation is detected. This preliminary loading ensures that the device has immediate access to configuration data while maintaining the ability to retain and restore configurations across power cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10536842B2Terminal device and terminal configuration system
Publication Date: 2020.01.14 ICOM INC
  • US10536842B2 patent drawing
  • US10536842B2 patent drawing
  • US10536842B2 patent drawing

AI summary

[Problem] To provide a communication system for simplifying terminal device configuration.[Solution] A communication system comprises a server and a terminal device. The server stores first information in order for the terminal device to communicate, and stores second information in order for the terminal device to connect to a network of the other bases. When the power is turned on in a normal operation, the terminal device connects to the network by using network information in a non-volatile memory unit, obtains the first information from the server, and writes the same in a volatile memory unit. Thus, the terminal device starts operation. When the power is turned on by using a particular operation, the terminal device connects to the network by using the network information in the non-volatile memory unit, obtains network information of the other bases from the server, and stores the same in the non-volatile memory unit. Thus, it is possible to connect to the network of the other bases.