Addressable Communication Signals Using Memory-Based Timing Values

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems lack flexibility in responding to changes in the number or type of communication partners, particularly in systems using a master device to transmit commands to multiple slave devices over a single communication line, where address changes are necessary due to varying sensor configurations.

Innovation Solution

A communication system where a control unit generates communication signals by inverting signal levels based on count values stored in a memory, allowing for flexible address adjustments by changing the setting values in response to changes in communication partners.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a master device transmits commands to multiple slave devices using a point-to-point network protocol, then communication between devices is established, but the system lacks flexibility when the number or type of communication partners changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in responding to changes in communication partnersVSAvoidsystem reconfiguration requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts communication parameters by reading setting values from memory that define time periods for signal inversion. This allows the master device to adapt its communication pattern based on the number and type of slave devices connected, eliminating the need for manual system reconfiguration when communication partners change.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the time period parameters of the communication signal by inverting signal levels at intervals defined by count values stored in memory. By modifying these temporal parameters, the system can accommodate different numbers and types of slave devices without requiring structural reconfiguration, thus improving adaptability while maintaining system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the address of communication partners changes due to varying sensor configurations, then the system can accommodate different sensor types, but existing systems require manual reconfiguration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse to sensor configuration changesVSAvoidaddress change complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The master device automatically adapts to changes in sensor configurations by reading setting values from memory and adjusting its communication pattern accordingly. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual address reconfiguration, allowing the system to seamlessly accommodate different sensor types and configurations through automatic parameter adjustment based on stored setting values.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250348446A1Communication system, communication method, and storage medium storing program

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 DENSO CORP

AI summary

A communication system, a communication method, or a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program is used for a control unit to transmit a communication signal including an address identifying at least one communication partner to the at least one communication partner, and stores a setting value for generating the communication signal or reads the setting value, and generates the communication signal according to the setting value stored in a memory. The setting value includes count values for defining a time period. The communication signal is generated by inverting a signal level each time the time period based on the count values elapses.