Automatic Device Addressing via Verification Code in Control Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large control systems, replacing a device requires significant effort and specialized qualification due to the need for updating device addresses, especially in complex configurations like factory automation or building management systems, where devices are interconnected via communication media like bus systems or wireless links.
Innovation Solution
A method where a device of a first type determines a verification code using a stored desired address and index value, transmits it to a device of a second type, which compares it with its actual verification code and updates its address if they differ, allowing for easy replacement of devices without extensive reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If device replacement is performed using conventional configuration methods, then the control system can be adapted to new devices, but significant programming effort and specialized qualification are required
Solution Approach 1:
The replacement device automatically determines its own address by receiving a verification code from a first device, calculating an actual verification code using its index value and stored actual address, and updating its address memory if the codes match. This self-configuration process eliminates the need for manual programming or specialized personnel, allowing any technician to replace devices simply by setting the index value via the index value generating means.
2Reliability
If device addresses are manually configured, then unique addressing is achieved, but the process requires specialized personnel and extensive programming
Solution Approach 1:
The verification code acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables automatic address determination. The first device transmits a verification code based on its device association memory, and the second device uses this code along with its index value to automatically determine and store its address. This intermediary verification process ensures unique addressing while eliminating complex manual configuration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The device association memory in the first device pre-stores the correspondence between index values and desired addresses. When a replacement device is installed, the system automatically retrieves the appropriate address information based on the index value setting, performing the address assignment action in advance without requiring real-time manual configuration or specialized knowledge.
3Reliability
If complete device addresses are used for identification, then unique device association is ensured, but the index value generating means becomes large and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device identification system is segmented into two parts: a compact index value (smaller numerical range) that the second device physically sets via index value generating means, and a complete device address (larger numerical range) that is automatically determined and stored in the second device's address memory. This segmentation allows the physical configuration interface to remain simple while maintaining full addressing capability through the automatic address determination process using verification codes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, program and system is provided for storing a desired address in a device of a control system in which at least one device of a first type and one or more devices of a second type are connected to one another via a communication medium for the purpose of interchanging data. An index value and a unique address of a device of the second type are associated to one another and stored in the device of the first type. The association can be automatically retrieved when a device of the second type is replaced with a replacement device, and the new address of the replacement device can be automatically determined based on the association.