Unpowered Electronic Configuration Using External EM Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices require user interaction and power-on to configure, which can be inconvenient in certain scenarios, especially when the user lacks competency or when configuration needs to be performed transparently.
Innovation Solution
Electronic devices are configured using an external electromagnetic field while powered off, utilizing an antenna within the device and packaging that is transparent to the field, with visual indicia guiding the field application and storing configuration data in a memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the device is configured using traditional user input methods while powered on, then the user can directly interact with the device interface, but the user must have sufficient access and competency to perform configuration, and the configuration process is not transparent to the end user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary configuration system that includes an antenna, configuration memory, and configuration controller. This intermediary system enables configuration data to be transmitted wirelessly to the device without requiring the end user to directly interact with the device interface, thus simplifying the configuration process for users while allowing authorities to perform configuration transparently
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary configuration action by allowing configuration data to be transmitted and stored in the configuration memory before the device is powered on or before the end user interacts with it. The configuration controller processes and stores the configuration data in advance, so that when the device is powered on, it automatically loads and applies the pre-configured settings without requiring user intervention
2Extent of automation
If the device is configured while powered off using an external electromagnetic field, then transparent configuration by authorities is enabled, but the packaging material must be transparent to the electromagnetic field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of packaging material selection to include materials that are transparent to specific frequency ranges of electromagnetic fields. By selecting packaging materials with appropriate electromagnetic transmission properties, the system enables wireless configuration through the packaging while maintaining protection and containment of the device
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna acts as an intermediary component that receives electromagnetic signals containing configuration data through the packaging material and converts them into electrical signals that can be processed by the configuration controller. This intermediary mechanism enables communication between the external configuration source and the device's internal systems without requiring physical access or powering on the device
3Reliability
If configuration data is stored in a separate configuration memory, then configuration can be performed without powering on the main device, but additional memory components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the memory system into two distinct parts: configuration memory for storing configuration data and program memory for storing operational code. This segmentation allows the configuration memory to be independently accessed and written to via the antenna during unpowered states, while the program memory remains protected and is only executed when the device is powered on, thus improving reliability while managing complexity through functional separation
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
Enables configuration of electronic devices without powering them on, allowing transparent configuration by authorities or users lacking competency, and ensuring secure, efficient setup before use.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna susceptible to an external electromagnetic field, which provides power to the configuration system
Implementation Method 2
The packaging is composed of a main enclosure, which removably retains the electronic device therein. At least part of the main enclosure is composed of a material which is transparent to the external electromagnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to configurable electronic devices, packaging therefor, electronic device products, as well as methods and systems for configuring configurable electronic devices whilst unpowered. The electronic device includes a housing and a configuration system contained therein. The housing bears a first visual indicia indicative of a location for applying an external electromagnetic field to the electronic device for configuring the same in an unpowered state. The packaging includes a main enclosure for removably retaining the electronic device therein, at least part of the main enclosure being composed of a material transparent to the external electromagnetic field, and a second visual indicia which is born on an outward-facing surface of the main enclosure. The second visual indicia is indicative of the location for applying the external electromagnetic field and disposed in proximity to the first visual indicia when the electronic device is received within the packaging.