Communication System Automatic Parameter Specification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In factory communication systems, the differences in higher-layer communication protocols among devices connected via a PLC lead to a cumbersome and error-prone setup process for users, requiring manual configuration of IP addresses, port numbers, and protocols, especially in large-scale systems with numerous devices.
Innovation Solution
A communication system with an instruction terminal and a communication apparatus that automatically acquires and specifies device parameters by storing correspondence information associating identification information with candidate parameters, reducing the user's workload by eliminating the need for manual setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual setting is performed by user for each device parameter, then communication compatibility between different devices is achieved, but user workload increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The communication apparatus automatically acquires identification information from connected devices and specifies device parameters without user intervention. The system performs self-configuration by reading device identifiers and autonomously determining communication settings, eliminating the need for manual user setup while maintaining compatibility across different device manufacturers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-stores correspondence information linking identification information types to candidate device parameters before actual device connection. This preliminary preparation of parameter mappings enables the automatic specification process to efficiently determine correct communication settings without requiring users to manually configure each parameter during device setup.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration of communication parameters is required, then precise device settings can be achieved, but setting errors readily occur
Solution Approach 1:
The communication apparatus autonomously acquires identification information from devices and automatically specifies the corresponding device parameters without user intervention. This self-configuration process eliminates manual input errors while ensuring precise settings by directly reading device identifiers and autonomously determining the correct communication parameters based on pre-stored correspondence information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system acquires actual identification information from connected devices and uses this feedback to automatically determine the correct device parameters. By reading the device's own identification information and matching it with pre-stored correspondence data, the system ensures accurate parameter specification without relying on user input, thereby reducing setting errors.
3Extent of automation
If correspondence information is stored for all devices, then automatic parameter specification is enabled, but information storage burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The correspondence information is segmented by identification information type rather than storing complete device parameter sets for every possible device. The system stores mapping relationships between identification information types and candidate device parameters, which significantly reduces storage requirements while enabling automatic specification when devices are connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-stored correspondence information serves multiple functions: it stores the relationship between identification information types and candidate device parameters, enables automatic device recognition, and provides the basis for autonomous parameter specification. This universal data structure handles various device types without requiring separate storage for each device model.
Data Source
AI summary
An instruction terminal includes a storage that stores correspondence information that associates, for each of communication devices, identification information of the communication device and candidate parameters for communication with the communication device, a first instructor that issues an instruction to acquire the identification information of a network device that is a communication device of the communication devices and is connected to a communication apparatus via a network, a second instructor that issues an instruction to specify, from among candidate parameters that are included in the correspondence information and correspond to the identification information, a device parameter for the communication with the network device, and a receiver that receives specification information indicating the specified device parameter. A communication apparatus includes an acquirer that acquires the identification information from the network device, a specifier that specifies the device parameter from among the candidate parameters, and a transmitter that transmits the specification information.