Automatic Controller Settings from Slave Device I/O Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems require manual and time-consuming settings for superordinate devices that communicate with slave devices, necessitating the allocation of storage regions based on data exchange with connected devices.

Innovation Solution

A settings information generation device that includes a selection unit, acquisition unit, and generation unit to automatically generate superordinate device settings information based on operational settings of connected devices, reducing the need for manual input of data lengths and identification information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual settings are used for the superordinate device, then the settings can be customized according to specific requirements, but the time and steps required for configuration increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of settingsVSAvoidtime for configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service configuration by allowing the slave device to automatically provide its identification information and operational settings to the superordinate device. The superordinate device then automatically generates and applies the appropriate settings information, eliminating the need for manual configuration by users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The slave device prepares and stores its identification information and operational settings in advance. When connected to the superordinate device, this pre-prepared information is automatically transmitted and used for configuration, eliminating the need for real-time manual setup during the connection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If manual configuration of storage regions is performed, then precise control over data exchange can be achieved, but the complexity and time required for setup increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of storage region allocationVSAvoidtime for settings
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The superordinate device automatically determines the appropriate storage region allocation based on the operational settings information received from the slave device. The system self-configures the data exchange parameters and storage region mapping without requiring manual intervention, while maintaining precise control over the data exchange process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If automated settings generation is implemented, then configuration time is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration speedVSAvoidcomplexity of settings generation system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The settings generation system is divided into distinct functional modules: an identification information transmission unit in the slave device, an acquisition unit in the superordinate device, and a generation unit that creates settings information. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity while enabling automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses structured settings information as an intermediary data structure that carries identification information and operational parameters from the slave device to the superordinate device. This intermediary format standardizes the data exchange process and simplifies the automation logic by providing a clear, predefined information structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3940473B1Settings information generation device, settings information generation method, and control program
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 OMRON CORP
  • EP3940473B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3940473B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3940473B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A settings information generation device (10), for reducing the number of settings steps pertaining to a device in a superordinate device that communicates with a slave device to which the device is connected, includes: a selection unit (111) for accepting a selection of a device (60) to be connected; an acquisition unit (112) for acquiring operational settings information including the input/output data length of the selected device (60); and a generation unit (113) for generating, on the basis of the operational settings information, superordinate device settings information for setting a storage region for storing data exchanged with the device (60) by a controller (30) via a device management unit (50).