Wireless Network Device Configuration via Administrator Link

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for configuring and maintaining wireless network devices require physical interaction and wired connections, increasing costs and reducing the benefits of wireless solutions by necessitating administrator presence and supporting both wired and wireless interfaces.

Innovation Solution

A system where a wireless network device enters a configuration mode to communicate wirelessly with an administrator device using a dedicated or standard wireless interface, allowing for remote configuration and maintenance without physical presence or wired connections, using identification codes and configuration files to establish and troubleshoot network connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired connections and control panels are used for configuration, then configuration reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the configuration functionality from the wireless network device itself and places it on a separate administrator device. The wireless network device only needs to provide identification code and receive configuration data, while the administrator device handles the complex configuration interface and parameter entry, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining configuration reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an administrator device as an intermediary between the user and the wireless network device. This intermediary handles all complex configuration operations through a wireless interface, allowing the wireless network device to remain simple while still achieving reliable configuration through the mediator's capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If administrator physically visits device for configuration, then configuration accuracy is improved, but productivity and time efficiency worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables self-service configuration where the administrator device automatically transmits configuration data to the wireless network device using the identification code for verification. This eliminates the need for physical administrator presence at the device while maintaining configuration accuracy through automated data transmission and verification processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physical administrator presence and manual parameter entry with an automated wireless system. The identification code serves as a digital key that enables automatic authentication and configuration data transmission, substituting physical interaction with electronic automation to improve productivity while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If both wired and wireless interfaces are supported, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the wireless interface universal by enabling it to serve multiple functions: initial device identification through identification code, configuration data transmission, and ongoing device management. This eliminates the need for separate wired interfaces while maintaining adaptability, as the wireless interface can handle all communication needs across different configuration scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the wireless interface to enable it to replace wired functionality. By using identification codes for authentication and structured configuration data formats, the wireless interface achieves the same adaptability and reliability previously requiring wired connections, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If control panel is used for configuration, then ease of operation is improved, but configuration time and error rate worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the identification code as a simplified copy or representation of the device identity, replacing complex manual navigation through control panel menus. The administrator device then copies and transmits the complete configuration data set automatically, eliminating repetitive manual entry and reducing both configuration time and error rate while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS7805134B2Configuration and management of wireless network devices

Publication Date: 2010.09.28 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

An approach is provided wherein a lack of wireless connectivity between a wireless network device and a wireless network is detected, and the wireless network device connects to an administrator device over a separate wireless network. Network configuration data is transmitted from the administrator device to the wireless network device over the separate wireless network and based on the network configuration data the wireless network device attempts to reconnect to the wireless network.