Transmission Terminal Self-Diagnosis via Relay Loopback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote conference systems face difficulties in checking the connectivity and functionality of transmission terminals during installation, requiring an additional terminal for testing and coordination, which is cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A transmission system that includes a transmission terminal capable of local reproduction and transmission of video and voice data, a relay apparatus for data transmission, and a management apparatus to establish a session for connection checking within a single site, allowing for self-testing without the need for a second terminal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a second transmission terminal is prepared for testing, then connection checking can be performed, but the complexity of the testing process increases due to coordination requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection checking capabilityVSAvoidtesting process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission terminal performs self-diagnosis by transmitting test data to itself through the relay apparatus. The terminal sends test data via the network to the relay apparatus, which relays it back to the same terminal, allowing the terminal to verify its own connection and functionality without requiring a second terminal or external coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The relay apparatus serves as an intermediary that enables the transmission terminal to communicate with itself. The relay apparatus receives test data from the transmission terminal and relays it back to the same terminal, creating a loopback path that allows self-testing while utilizing the actual transmission infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a second transmission terminal is prepared for testing, then connection checking can be performed, but the time required for installation and testing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection checking capabilityVSAvoidinstallation and testing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission terminal autonomously performs connection checking by sending test data through the relay apparatus and receiving it back. This self-service approach eliminates the need to coordinate with another terminal or wait for external testing resources, significantly reducing installation and testing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission terminal performs connection checking as part of the installation process itself, rather than requiring a separate testing phase. By integrating the self-diagnosis function into the installation workflow, the system enables immediate verification of connectivity without additional time requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If multiple transmission terminals are used for comprehensive testing, then transmission paths and network bandwidth can be verified, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission path verificationVSAvoidtesting operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission terminal independently verifies transmission paths and network bandwidth by transmitting test data through the relay apparatus and analyzing the received data. This self-service capability allows comprehensive testing to be performed by a single terminal operator without requiring coordination with multiple terminals or complex testing procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The self-diagnosis function is designed to perform multiple testing tasks including connection verification, transmission path checking, and network bandwidth assessment using a single terminal. This multi-functional approach maintains ease of operation while comprehensively verifying system performance.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2915293B1Transmission system, relay apparatus, transmission terminal, and transmission terminal control program
Publication Date: 2017.12.13 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP2915293B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2915293B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2915293B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A transmission system includes a transmission terminal locally reproducing video and voice data and transmitting and receiving the video and voice data via a network; a relay apparatus transmitting the video data and voice data to another transmission terminal or the transmission terminal; and a transmission management apparatus managing a session for a single transmission terminal. Further, the transmission terminal sends a request for establishing a session for a single site to the relay apparatus via the transmission management apparatus, and the relay apparatus establishes the session for the single site related to the transmission terminal so that a connection check process is performed on the transmission terminal within the single site only.