I/O Station Module Integration Without Reconfiguring Primary Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods require adapting the entire configuration of an I/O station's engineering software or operating multiple I/O stations in parallel when adding I/O modules not initially planned for, complicating the integration of additional data processing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method and station head that analyze connected I/O modules, assign them to either a target or new configuration based on existing configurations, allowing separate data processing without altering the original configuration, using separate communication channels for primary and secondary data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the entire configuration of the I/O station's engineering software is adapted when adding new I/O modules, then the additional data processing capabilities are integrated, but the complexity of configuration work increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the I/O station configuration into separate segments: a first configuration for primary data processing and a second configuration for secondary data processing. This segmentation allows new I/O modules to be integrated into the second configuration without requiring changes to the established first configuration, thereby reducing configuration complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second I/O station as an intermediary component that handles secondary data processing. This intermediary I/O station with its own configuration separates the integration of new modules from the existing system configuration, allowing independent configuration management and reducing the overall configuration complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple I/O stations are operated in parallel to process different data, then additional data processing is enabled, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple I/O stations into a single integrated I/O station that contains both the first configuration for primary data and the second configuration for secondary data. This consolidation reduces system complexity by eliminating the need to operate multiple separate I/O stations in parallel, while still enabling differentiated data processing through distinct configurations within the same station.
3Adaptability or versatility
If I/O modules are added not provided for in the target configuration, then new data processing functions are achieved, but the deviation from target configuration requires configuration adaptation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration into a first configuration that remains unchanged and a second configuration that accommodates newly added I/O modules. This segmentation allows the system to maintain the original target configuration for primary data while easily integrating new modules for secondary data without requiring configuration adaptation or maintenance of the original setup.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate communication channels are used for primary and secondary data, then independent data processing is achieved, but the communication infrastructure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple communication channels into a single communication bus that carries both primary data from the first configuration and secondary data from the second configuration. This merging approach enables independent data processing through configuration separation while avoiding the infrastructure complexity of maintaining separate physical communication channels.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for integrating into a data transmission a number of I/O modules connected to an I/O station in accordance with a configuration for processing data assignable in accordance with this configuration, includes activating an integration mode, checking whether a target configuration for connecting a number of I/O modules to the I/O station for processing primary data is stored in a memory, checking whether the target configuration can be found on the basis of analyzed connected I/O modules, assigning each I/O module required for finding the target configuration to the target configuration, assigning each I/O module not required for finding the target configuration, to a new configuration for processing data, operating the I/O station with each I/O module assigned to the target configuration in accordance with the target configuration, and operating the I/O station with each I/O module assigned to the new configuration independently of and/or in addition to the target configuration in accordance with the new configuration for processing data assignable in accordance with this new configuration independently of the target configuration. Further, a station head for carrying out the method and a system including the station head.