Terminal Display Control for Apparatus Software Installation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems lack effective methods to promote the installation of software managing apparatuses to terminals, particularly for non-display-control apparatuses that do not have a display or are not connected to a display device.

Innovation Solution

A control device that controls the display of images on a terminal or connected display device to notify users about software availability and provides connection information, using identification signals to identify the apparatus type and convert connection settings for wireless communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If connection information is input using a terminal when an apparatus is connected to an access point, then wireless communication setup is achieved, but software installation promotion is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoftware installation promotionVSAvoidconnection information input method
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a control device as an intermediary between the terminal and the apparatus. The control device receives connection information from the terminal and transmits it to the apparatus, enabling automated setup without manual input on the apparatus side. This mediator resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation while preserving connection information effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control device performs preliminary actions by automatically receiving and processing connection information before the apparatus needs it. By preparing the connection setup in advance through the terminal-initiated process, the system eliminates the need for manual information input during apparatus operation, thus improving ease of operation while preventing information loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If a mobile device communicates directly with the PLC device, then configuration is achieved, but software installation promotion remains insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoftware installation promotionVSAvoidconfiguration process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device serves as an intermediary that simplifies the configuration process. Instead of requiring direct complex communication between the mobile device and PLC, the control device handles the configuration data transmission, reducing the apparent complexity for the user while promoting software installation through the streamlined interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control device performs multiple functions: it acts as a communication bridge for configuration data, a promoter for software installation, and a coordinator between terminal and apparatus. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by handling configuration universally while focusing user attention on software installation promotion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If connection information is provided through terminal, then automated setup is achieved, but effective software installation promotion is not realized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetup automationVSAvoidsoftware installation motivation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control device implements feedback by monitoring the terminal's connection information input and responding with appropriate software installation prompts. When the terminal successfully provides connection information, the control device feeds back a message or interface encouraging software installation, thus maintaining setup automation while improving software installation motivation through timely feedback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control device employs periodic action by repeatedly prompting for software installation at key stages of the automated setup process. After receiving connection information, the system periodically reminds or encourages the user to install the software, ensuring that productivity is maintained while ease of operation regarding software installation is improved through repeated gentle prompts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP4401509B1Control device, terminal, control method, and program
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP4401509B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4401509B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4401509B1 patent drawingFigure 4(a)~4(e)

AI summary

A control device (10) includes a wireless IF (11) that receives an identification signal wirelessly transmitted by an apparatus, an obtainer (12) that refers to the identification signal received by the wireless IF (11), and obtains information indicating that software that manages the apparatus and operates on a terminal can be installed on the terminal, and a display controller (13) that controls display of an image indicating the information obtained by the obtainer (12).