Visual Indicator-Based Equipment Connection via Image Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Establishing a secure and reliable communication link between industrial or agricultural equipment and a remote computer server is challenging due to cost and network coverage issues, particularly in environments with inadequate network access.
Innovation Solution
A method using an electronic terminal to acquire and decode visual indicators displayed by the equipment, establishing a local wireless communication link between the terminal and the equipment's controller, enabling secure and direct data exchange without relying on external networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secure communication link between the machine and a remote computer server is established, then data security and authorized access are improved, but implementation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a visual indicator (QR code or barcode) as an intermediary element that encodes connection information. Instead of directly establishing complex secure connections between the machine and remote server, the visual indicator serves as a mediator that contains encoded authentication and connection data, simplifying the secure connection establishment process while maintaining security requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy (visual indicator) of the connection information that can be displayed and scanned. This visual representation copies the essential connection data in an accessible format, allowing users to capture connection identifiers through image scanning without dealing with complex authentication protocols directly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a remote computer server connection is established for data access, then remote monitoring capability is improved, but network coverage requirements worsen the accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-encoding all necessary connection information, authentication data, and device identifiers into the visual indicator before the connection is needed. This allows the electronic terminal to capture all required connection parameters in advance through a single image scan, eliminating the need for continuous network connectivity during the connection setup phase and enabling offline configuration capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If visual indicators with encoded connection information are used, then connection establishment simplicity is improved, but information security requirements worsen the encryption complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the visual indicator: it combines authentication credentials, device identifiers, connection parameters, and encryption keys into a single visual element. This consolidation allows the electronic terminal to retrieve all necessary connection information through one image capture operation, maintaining ease of operation while implementing comprehensive security measures within the encoded data structure.
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
Facilitates secure, simple, and cost-effective connection to equipment, ensuring only authorized access while allowing remote control and data exchange, even in areas without adequate network coverage.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor of the electronic terminal acquiring a visual indicator image displayed by an item of equipment
Data Source
AI summary
A method for connecting to equipment by means of an electronic terminal, including an image sensor of the electronic terminal acquiring a visual indicator image displayed by the equipment, the visual indicator including connection identifiers for establishing a communication link with the equipment in coded form, a software application installed on the electronic terminal extracting the connection identifiers from the acquired image, and the connection identifiers establishing a local wireless communication link between a communication interface of the electronic terminal and a communication interface of an electronic controller of the equipment.