EtherNet/IP Communication Setting Notification Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication setting methods for EtherNet/IP require manual acquisition and setup of EDS files, making it time-consuming to establish I/O data communication between scanner and adapter equipment, especially when setting values are variable.
Innovation Solution
A communication setting notification apparatus that automatically investigates and notifies valid communication settings by transmitting I/O data read and start request messages to adapter equipment, determining instance IDs and setting values through Explicit Message communication, and outputting valid settings to a monitor or external medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual EDS file acquisition and setting tool usage is performed, then communication setting can be established, but substantial time is required to establish I/O data communication
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter equipment automatically provides communication setting information to the scanner equipment through Explicit Message communication. The adapter serves itself by storing and transmitting its own communication settings (instance IDs, I/O data sizes, etc.) without requiring external EDS files or setting tools, enabling the scanner to automatically configure and establish communication.
Solution Approach 2:
Explicit Message communication serves as an intermediary mechanism between the scanner and adapter equipment. Instead of direct manual configuration or file transfer, the patent uses a standardized message-based communication interface to automatically exchange and configure communication parameters, bridging the gap between the two devices.
2Loss of information
If EDS file is used for communication setting, then setting information can be obtained, but the process requires substantial time and manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using external EDS files, the patent creates a digital copy of the communication settings directly within the adapter equipment's memory. The adapter stores communication parameters (instance IDs, I/O data sizes, communication cycles) internally and transmits them on-demand via Explicit Messages, eliminating the need for physical or digital file transfers.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter equipment pre-configures and stores all necessary communication settings in advance within its own memory before any communication occurs. When the scanner requests communication parameters, the adapter immediately transmits the pre-prepared information, eliminating the time required for real-time investigation or file acquisition.
3Adaptability or versatility
If communication setting includes variable setting items, then flexibility is achieved, but investigation of current setting values is required in advance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the scanner equipment automatically requests communication setting information from the adapter, and the adapter responds by transmitting its current configuration. This automated feedback loop eliminates manual investigation, as the scanner receives real-time information about the adapter's supported instance IDs, I/O data sizes, and other variable parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication settings are made dynamic rather than static. Instead of requiring pre-investigation of fixed parameters, the system allows the scanner to dynamically query the adapter for current setting values. The adapter can provide different configuration information based on its actual state, enabling flexible adaptation to variable communication requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication setting notification apparatus may automatically investigate communication setting of I/O data communication of EtherNet/IP compatible with adapter equipment, the apparatus comprising an I/O data confirming unit configured to transmits an I/O data read request message to the adapter equipment and determines a valid instance ID based on an I/O data read response message from the adapter equipment, a communication start testing unit configured to transmits a communication start request message to the adapter equipment and determines valid communication setting based on whether or not I/O data communication can be established with the adapter equipment, and a communication setting notifying unit configured to outputs the valid communication setting.