Wireless Relay Device for Interference-Free Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in provisioning wireless devices, particularly in explosion-proof areas and hard-to-reach locations, where OOB provisioning is difficult due to safety concerns and interference issues with OTA provisioning.
Innovation Solution
A wireless relay device and method that relays setting data via the first wireless network to facilitate device joining without interfering with existing wireless communication, using a separate provisioning network to manage device information and prevent conflicts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If OOB provisioning is performed by connecting provisioning devices close to targeted wireless devices, then device information can be set directly, but it becomes difficult to connect in explosion-proof areas and hard-to-reach locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a management device as an intermediary that receives device information from on-site workers and automatically sets it to wireless devices. This mediator eliminates the need for provisioning devices to physically connect to wireless devices in hard-to-reach locations, while still enabling direct device information setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical connection approach (OOB provisioning requiring direct connection) with an automated information management system. The management device automatically retrieves and sets device information, substituting the manual connection process with an automated information flow system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If OTA provisioning is performed using wireless signals in the same frequency band, then provisioning can be performed in any location including explosion-proof areas, but it causes interference with wireless communication in the network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the device information setting function from the wireless communication frequency band. By using a separate provisioning frequency band exclusively for device information transmission, it removes the harmful interference effect while preserving the ability to perform provisioning in any location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the wireless spectrum into two distinct frequency bands: one for wireless communication and another for provisioning. This segmentation allows both functions to operate simultaneously without interference, enabling provisioning in any location without affecting communication quality.
3Productivity
If device information is set by on-site workers using provisioning devices, then wireless devices can join the network, but confusion occurs when information is not properly handed over to plant operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the management device automatically receives device information from on-site workers and confirms its successful setting. This closed-loop information flow eliminates handover confusion by providing automatic verification and centralized management of device information.
Solution Approach 2:
The management device performs self-service by automatically retrieving, storing, and setting device information without requiring manual handover between workers and operators. The system serves itself by automating the entire information management process, eliminating human error in information transfer.
Data Source
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AI summary
A wireless relay device according to one embodiment of the present invention is equipped with a relay processing unit which, while continuing to relay data through a first wireless network, relays setting data necessary in order for a wireless device to access the first wireless network to a second wireless network to which an identifier which differs from that of the first wireless network is assigned.