Central device for a data network

Abstract

The invention relates to a central device (30) for a data network, comprising an input interface (32) for receiving a request signal, a control unit (34) for generating a control signal from the received request signal, and at least one output interface (36) for transmitting the control signal to at least one node device (41, 42, 43). The control signal is configured to control the node device (41, 42, 43) to output a node output signal for identifying a physical location of the node device (41, 42, 43). The invention also relates to a system (10) for a data network, comprising the central device (30) of the invention. The invention also relates to a method for operating a central device (30) in a data network, wherein the central device (30) corresponds to at least one node device (41, 42, 43) in terms of data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a central device for a data network, a system for a data network, and a method for operating the central device in a data network. Background Technology

[0002] In complex networks, numerous actuators, sensors, and control and monitoring devices are often connected and located in various locations. During troubleshooting, for maintenance or other purposes, it is sometimes necessary to physically locate specific devices. However, this becomes extremely difficult when the devices have a standardized appearance, as they cannot be easily identified by their appearance.

[0003] DE 10 2018 118 872 discloses a method for inspecting data transmission of electrical switching equipment, wherein an LED generates a light signal that is perceived by an observer as stable light, and an optical reading device is able to use this light signal to acquire user data.

[0004] In known methods, a device is requested to blink for a defined time to indicate its location. However, this requires identifying a large number of devices in the system, making the operation complex. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a central device and a system for a data network, and a method for operating such a central device, thereby achieving particularly simple and efficient operation.

[0006] A central device for a data network includes an input interface for receiving request signals, a control unit for generating control signals based on the received request signals, and at least one output interface for transmitting the control signals to at least one node device. The node device establishes a data connection with the output interface of the central device. The control signals are configured to control the node device to output node output signals to identify the physical location of the node device.

[0007] This makes locating node devices particularly easy. Furthermore, it allows for highly efficient evaluation of requests aimed at outputting output signals.

[0008] In one design, the input interface is configured to receive the request signal using a first data protocol, particularly Ethernet, One-to-One Ethernet, SPE, Fieldbus, Profibus, or another bus protocol. Furthermore, the output interface is configured to transmit the control signal using a second data protocol, such as IO-Link, Actuator-Sensor Interface (AS-Interface), an Open Communication Protocol for Addressable Remote Sensor High-Speed ​​Channels (HAT protocol), or another protocol for sensor / actuator communication. The first and second data protocols are different from each other. For example, the central device can be connected to a bus system and configured as an IO-Link master, where the node devices are configured as IO-Link devices and correspond to this IO-Link master.

[0009] This allows for advantageous control across protocols:

[0010] The first data protocol is used for addressing the central device and transmitting request signals. This part of the control is performed, for example, through an external device data-coupled to the central device, which is implemented, for example, via a bus system. The external device may have an operating interface, such as an interface for programming and / or for troubleshooting faults or technical problems within the data network.

[0011] Subsequently, a second data protocol is used to transmit requests for outputting node signals from the central device to the node devices connected to the central device. Because the second protocol differs from the first protocol, this control cannot be performed directly (e.g., via external devices), but is forwarded by the central device in an intermediate step, such as within an IO-Link system. In this case, the central device can modify the request as needed, making it particularly simple and convenient to configure the output node signals.

[0012] In other words, the central device transmits control information between the first and second protocol layers. Users do not need to separately configure this feature of the central device or the characteristics of the connected node devices. Specifically, output can be distributed throughout the subsystem by issuing simple commands to the central device.

[0013] The output signal can be constructed in different ways. This output signal is particularly suitable for assisting human users in locating the corresponding device. In particular, users can locate devices that output the signal within a room.

[0014] In another design, the node output signal is formed in a manner that allows for perceptual detection by a user. This output signal is specifically detectable by human hearing or vision.

[0015] This makes operation very simple, and users can physically locate the device without additional equipment. Unlike known systems, there is no need to add equipment for detecting the output signal.

[0016] Various methods can be used to output node output signals. These methods are specifically defined by the unit used to output the output signal, for example, for outputs that can be perceived audibly or visually, such as by means of a display, light-emitting element, or speaker.

[0017] Different node devices can output node output signals using different output methods, depending on the type of output unit available. For example, a node device with a display can output node output signals using that display, while other node devices without a display can output node output signals, for example, by flashing an LED. Different output methods can also be combined with each other.

[0018] Specifically, the following approach can be adopted: the control signal does not specify a particular output method for the node output signal or the central device output signal, but rather the device itself determines how to output the corresponding output signal. Furthermore, the request signal and / or control signal may include information regarding preferred methods or specific methods for the output signal.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the node output signal includes an optical signal with optical parameters, and / or includes a graphic and / or alphanumeric display on the node device's display.

[0020] This makes it particularly easy and clear to locate the device in its environment, even in adverse conditions such as poor lighting or difficulty in identifying labels.

[0021] The light parameters may, for example, relate to color and / or brightness. Such light signals can be output in particular by means of light-emitting elements such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), but may also be backlit or otherwise illuminated display elements.

[0022] The optical parameters of the optical signal can be adjustable, for example, through configuration on a node device or a central device, or through corresponding information contained in a control signal.

[0023] The optical signal can have a specific duration, after which the output of the optical signal automatically terminates, or it can be terminated based on user input or another control signal. Optical parameters can be generated statically or dynamically, particularly using periodic changes in brightness and / or color, similar to flashing.

[0024] Displays included in or located within the physical environment of a node device can be constructed in different ways. For example, the display may include a pixel array, thereby enabling the output of arbitrary characters, or the display may include a segmented display, wherein each segment is designated as a displayable character.

[0025] In one design, the central device further includes an output unit. The output unit of the central device is configured to output a central device output signal to identify the physical location of the central device based on the control signal.

[0026] This also makes it easy to locate the central equipment.

[0027] The output signal of the central device is constructed in a way that allows it to be distinguished from the output signals of the nodes.

[0028] Furthermore, the output signal of the central device adopts a scheme that can be perceived by the user, especially by sight or hearing.

[0029] The output signal of the central device can be constructed in a manner similar to that of the node output signal and has the features described herein.

[0030] In another design, the central device can also be data-connected to multiple node devices. In this case, the control unit is also adapted to generate control signals based on received request signals, causing all node devices connected to the central device, or a defined subset thereof, to output node output signals. The node output signals of each node device may be the same or different.

[0031] If only a subset of the connected node devices needs to output, this subset can be defined, for example, by a request signal. Alternatively, a subset can be defined by configuring the central device (e.g., through user input). For example, a specific address range in a data network can be defined as a subset.

[0032] In a further embodiment, the output interface includes multiple output connectors. Each connected node device corresponds to one output connector. Specifically, there is a one-to-one correspondence between node devices and output connectors. Furthermore, in this further embodiment, the control signal is configured such that the node output signal output via the node device is also formed according to the corresponding output connector.

[0033] In particular, the node output signal of the node device can be formed as follows: so that the node output signal corresponds one-to-one with the specific output connector of the central device.

[0034] This helps locate the physical location of node devices that are connected to the central device in a specific way. This, for example, simplifies troubleshooting within the system.

[0035] The output connector of the central device can be, for example, a "port" as known in information technology. A port can refer to a physical or virtual connector of the central device, such as a separate connecting element for connecting data cables to node devices, and / or a data-related connector provided to node devices via a shared cable connector, and / or a data-related connector provided to node devices via a wireless connecting element (e.g., via radio, WLAN, Bluetooth, or other methods).

[0036] Accordingly, the node output signal is formed, for example, by including perceptibly detectable information about the corresponding output connector. This allows the user to, for example, visually detect which output connector the node device connects to the central device.

[0037] For example, each connected node device can output a piepsignal or a flashing signal, wherein a specific number of piep events or flashing events are periodically output with pauses. In this case, the number of piep events or flashing events per cycle can correspond to a number assigned to the output connector, such as the output connector number or a sequential numbering.

[0038] When the connected node devices output node output signals using a display, numerical or alphanumeric characters or graphic elements can also be used to identify the corresponding output connector of the central device.

[0039] Furthermore, along with the output signal from the node devices, another output can be made on the central device, enabling the detection or physical positioning of the corresponding output connector. For example, a light source can flash on the connector or output another light signal to indicate that a specific node device is connected to this connector. This could involve outputting light signals formed in the same manner both on the output connector and on the node devices.

[0040] The system for the data network includes a central device as described above and at least one node device data-coupled to the central device. The node device includes an output unit for outputting an output signal used to identify the physical location of the node device. Optionally, the output signal can be formed in a visually or audibly perceptible manner.

[0041] With regard to the method of operating a central device in a data network, the central device corresponds to at least one node device. A request signal is received, and a control signal is generated based on the received request signal. The control signal is configured to control the node device to output a node output signal to identify the physical location of the node device.

[0042] The method is specifically designed to operate the device. Therefore, the method has the same advantages as the device of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0043] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0044] Figure 1 An embodiment of a system including a central device is shown;

[0045] Figure 2 An embodiment of a method for operating a system that includes a central device is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Reference Figure 1 An embodiment of a system including a central device is described.

[0047] System 10 includes a central device 30, an external device 20, and several node devices 41, 42, and 43.

[0048] In this example, external device 20 and central device 30 are connected to each other via Ethernet connection 11 in a known manner.

[0049] In other embodiments, other methods may be used to implement the data connection, such as a single-pair Ethernet (SPE) or a bus connection such as a fieldbus (e.g., Profibus).

[0050] In addition, node devices 41, 42, and 43 are connected to the central device 30 in a known manner via IO-Link connection 12.

[0051] In other embodiments, other methods may be used to implement data connectivity, such as actuator sensor interfaces or open communication protocols for addressable remote sensor high-speed channels.

[0052] In system 10 of this example, external device 20 can address central device 30 via a first protocol (i.e., Ethernet), while the central device can address node devices 41, 42, and 43 via a second protocol (i.e., IO-Link). Node devices 41, 42, and 43 cannot be addressed directly by external device 20 because "protocol boundaries" must be overcome.

[0053] The central device 30 includes an input interface 32 for establishing a data connection with the external device 20.

[0054] The central device 30 also includes an output interface 36, which includes output connectors 36.1, 36.2, and 36.3. Node devices 41, 42, and 43 are connected to this output interface 36, with each connected node device 41, 42, and 43 corresponding one-to-one with output connectors 36.1, 36.2, and 36.3.

[0055] The central device 30 also includes a control unit 34, which is coupled to the input interface 32 and the output interface 36.

[0056] In addition, there is an output unit 38 coupled to the control unit 34 of the central device 30, which in this example includes a light-emitting diode (LED).

[0057] Based on the above embodiments of the system, the following references Figure 2 An embodiment of the method will be described.

[0058] In step 100, external device 20 generates a request signal, which is transmitted to central device 30 via data connection 11. For this purpose, input interface 32 of central device 30 is used in this example.

[0059] In this example, the Ethernet protocol is used, but another protocol, such as Single Pair Ethernet (SPE), Profibus, Fieldbus, or another similar protocol, can also be used.

[0060] In step 200, the request signal received via interface 32 is transmitted to and evaluated by the control unit 34 of the central device 30. The control unit 34 is configured to generate one or more control signals based on the received request signal, thereby controlling more units.

[0061] In this example, control signals are generated in a certain way to control the output unit 38 of the central device and the connected node devices 41, 42, and 43, which have output units 41a, 42a, and 43a.

[0062] In step 300, a control signal is output through the control unit 34.

[0063] During this control signal output process, in step 310 of this embodiment of the method, the output unit 38 of the central device 30 is directly controlled. This output unit 38 is configured as an LED 38, which blinks in a defined manner in response to the control signal.

[0064] In parallel with this, in step 320, the connected node devices 41, 42, and 43 are controlled through the output interface 36 and data connection 12. In this embodiment, connection 12 is based on the IO-Link standard.

[0065] In response to the control signal, the output units 41a, 42a, and 43a, which are also constructed as LEDs 41a, 42a, and 43a, blink in a defined manner, thereby outputting the output signal.

[0066] In this system 10, the light-emitting diodes 38, 41a, 42a, and 43a of the central device 30 and node devices 41, 42, and 43 have defined flashing parameters. These parameters may be the same or different for all devices 30, 41, 42, and 43.

[0067] The optical parameters include, in particular, brightness, color temperature, flicker frequency, or the number of flicker events within a time interval or period, the duration of a single flicker event, the interval between flicker events, and the duration of the dark phase between flicker events. Furthermore, the output duration of the flicker can be preset as an optical parameter, such as a timeout parameter for the output signal.

[0068] In this embodiment, the optical parameters for each output unit of the central device 30 and the node devices 41, 42, and 43 are independent and are given by the control unit 34 of the central device 30. The node output signals of the node devices 41, 42, and 43 are formed in a manner that includes information about the corresponding ports or output connectors 36.1, 36.2, and 36.3, wherein the node devices 41, 42, and 43 are connected to the output interface 36 of the central device 30.

[0069] For example, output connectors 36.1, 36.2, and 36.3 may be numbered, and the output signal of each of the node devices 41, 42, and 43 may be output using a flashing signal to correspond to the number of output connector 36.1, 36.2, or 36.3. For instance, the output signal of the first node unit 41 may include a single flash to indicate that it is connected to the first output connector 36.1 of the output interface 36 of the central device 30.

[0070] In another embodiment, the output interface 36 of the central device may also correspond to another output unit, by means of which the output connectors 36.1, 36.2, and 36.3 are highlighted according to the control signal, for example, so that the user can identify the output connectors 36.1, 36.2, and 36.3 connected to specific node devices 41, 42, and 43.

[0071] In another embodiment, at least one optical parameter of the output signal is formed by the devices 30, 41, 42, and 43 themselves. That is, instead of the control unit 34 of the central device 30 pre-setting an output signal containing all optical parameters for all devices 30, 41, 42, and 43, the central device 30 and the node devices may determine the output signal, for example, depending on the availability of output units 38, 41a, 42a, and 43a. For example, in this case, if the output units 38, 41a, 42a, and 43a have a light source such as an LED, flashing can be output as an output signal. If the output units 38, 41a, 42a, and 43a have a display suitable for outputting alphanumeric characters, the output signal may also include alphanumeric characters. Furthermore, node devices 41, 42, and 43 are capable of automatically identifying the ports or output connectors 36.1, 36.2, and 36.3 of the central device 30 with which they are connected, and are capable of generating output signals accordingly, such that the output signals include information for identifying the corresponding connected ports or output connectors 36.1, 36.2, and 36.3. The output signals may include, for example, flashing, which comprises a number of periodically repeating flashing events, wherein the number of flashing events corresponds to the number of the connected ports or output connectors 36.1, 36.2, and 36.3.

[0072] Similar to blinking, other types of output signals can be output, such as other visually or audibly perceptible signals that can be output by output units 38, 41a, 42a, and 43a. These output signals can also be the same or different for all devices 30, 41, 42, and 43, and can be given by control unit 34 or formed by the devices 30, 41, 42, and 43 themselves, for example, according to the available output units 38, 41a, 42a, and 43a.

[0073] In another embodiment, the output units 38, 41a, 42a, 43a of the central device 30 or node devices 41, 42, 43 may include displays for outputting optical signals and / or alphanumeric characters. In this case, control signals may be adapted to control the output units 38, 41a, 42a, 43a, thereby outputting the output signals in a manner via the displays, such that the physical location of the corresponding central device 30 and / or node devices 41, 42, 43 can be determined, and / or other information regarding the data connection between the central device 30 and the connected node devices 41, 42, 43 can be output, such as the physical or virtual output connectors 36.1, 36.2, 36.3 or ports of the output interface 36 for connection, or the physical location of the physical output connectors 36.1, 36.2, 36.3 used.

[0074] In another embodiment, in addition to the output signal used to identify the physical location of the central device 30 or the node devices 41, 42, 43, diagnostic data, particularly diagnostic data relating to the performance and / or quality of the data connection 12, is output by means of such a display or in other known manner.

[0075] In another design, the request signal includes information about at least one output parameter, such as a light parameter. A control signal is generated in a manner such that the output signal (e.g., a light signal) produced by this control signal has characteristics corresponding to the request signal. For example, the request signal can be used to define what color the light signal, such as flashing, is generated by the central device 30 and / or the node devices 41, 42, 43.

[0076] Appendix Label Table

[0077] 10 system

[0078] 11 Ethernet connections

[0079] 12IO-Link connection

[0080] 20 external devices

[0081] 30 central devices; IO-Link master station

[0082] 32 input interfaces; Ethernet interface

[0083] 34 control units

[0084] 36 output interfaces; IO-Link interface

[0085] 36.1, 36.2, 36.3 Output connectors; (IO-Link interface) ports

[0086] 38 output units; Light-emitting diodes (LEDs)

[0087] Node devices 41, 42, and 43; IO-Link devices

[0088] 41a, 42a, 43a output units; Light-emitting diodes (LEDs)

[0089] Steps 100, 200, 300, 310, 320

Claims

1. Central device (30) for a data network, comprising an input interface (32) for receiving a request signal; a control unit (34) for generating a control signal from the received request signal; and at least one output interface (36) for transmitting the control signal to at least one node device (41, 42, 43); characterized in that the control signal is configured to control the node device (41, 42, 43) to output a node output signal for identifying a physical location of the node device (41, 42, 43); the central device (30) is capable of a data connection with a plurality of node devices (41, 42, 43), wherein the control unit is adapted to generate the control signal from the received request signal such that all node devices (41, 42, 43) connected to the central device (30) or a defined subset of these node devices output a node output signal; the output interface (36) comprises a plurality of output connections (36.1, 36.2, 36.3), each connected node device (41, 42, 43) corresponding to one output connection (36.1, 36.2, 36.3), wherein the control signal is further configured such that the node output signal output via the node device (41, 42, 43) is formed in accordance with the corresponding output connection (36.1, 36.2, 36.3).

2. Central device (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that the input interface (32) is configured to receive the request signal by means of a first data protocol; and the output interface (36) is configured to transmit the control signal by means of a second data protocol; wherein the first data protocol and the second data protocol are different from each other.

3. The central device (30) according to claim 2, characterized in that The first data protocol comprises Ethernet, Single Pair Ethernet, SPE, a fieldbus, Profibus or another bus protocol, and the second data protocol comprises IO-Link, an actuator sensor interface, an open communication protocol for addressable remote sensors high-speed channel or another protocol for sensor / actuator communication.

4. Central device (30) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the node output signal is formed in a manner that can be perceived by a user by detection.

5. Central device (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that the node output signal comprises a light signal with a light parameter and / or a graphical display on a display of the node device.

6. Central device (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that the central device (30) further has an output unit (38); wherein the output unit (38) of the central device (30) is configured to output a central device output signal for identifying a physical location of the central device (30) in accordance with the control signal; wherein the central device output signal is formed in a manner that can be perceived by a user visually or acoustically.

7. System (10) for a data network, comprising a central device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and a node device (41, 42, 43) according to any one of claims 1 to 6. at least one node device (41, 42, 43) which is data-coupled to the central device (30); wherein the node device (41, 42, 43) comprises an output unit (41a, 42a, 43a) for outputting an output signal for identifying the physical location of the node device (41, 42, 43); wherein the output signal is formed in a visually or acoustically perceptible manner.

8. A method for operating a central device (30) in a data network, wherein the central device (30) corresponds in terms of data to at least one node device (41, 42, 43), the method comprising: receiving a request signal; and generating a control signal from the received request signal; wherein the control signal is configured to control the node device (41, 42, 43) to output a node output signal for identifying the physical location of the node device (41, 42, 43); the central device (30) is capable of data connection to a plurality of node devices (41, 42, 43), wherein the control unit is adapted to generate the control signal from the received request signal such that all node devices (41, 42, 43) connected to the central device (30) or a defined subset of these node devices output a node output signal; the output interface (36) of the central device (30) comprises a plurality of output connections (36.1, 36.2, 36.3), each connected node device (41, 42, 43) corresponding to an output connection (36.1, 36.2, 36.3), wherein the control signal is further configured such that the node output signal output via the node device (41, 42, 43) is formed in accordance with the corresponding output connection (36.1, 36.2, 36.3). ​

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