Master-Slave ID Assignment Without DIP Switch Limits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems with master and slave devices are limited by the number of states in DIP switches, restricting the expandability and flexibility of slave devices, as the ID number is set based on the DIP switch state, leading to a fixed maximum number of devices that can be connected.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where slave devices detect a change in a target object's state to request an ID number, which is then generated and set by the master device, eliminating the need for DIP switches and allowing arbitrary expansion of slave devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If DIP switches are used to set ID numbers for slave devices, then the system can identify and control individual devices, but the maximum number of slave devices is limited by the number of DIP switch states

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of slave devicesVSAvoidDIP switch configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the ID number setting function from the physical DIP switch configuration and transfers it to a software-based automatic assignment mechanism. The master device automatically generates and assigns ID numbers to slave devices through communication protocols, eliminating the need for manual DIP switch manipulation and removing the limitation of fixed ID number ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The slave devices automatically receive and store assigned ID numbers from the master device without requiring manual configuration. The system performs self-service by automatically provisioning each slave device with a unique identifier through communication between the master and slave devices, enabling scalable system expansion without increasing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If manual DIP switch configuration is required for each slave device, then unique ID numbers can be assigned, but the setup process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveID number setting processVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The master device performs preliminary action by automatically generating and assigning ID numbers to slave devices before the system begins normal operation. This pre-configuration eliminates the need for manual DIP switch setup during installation, significantly reducing setup time and simplifying the deployment process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical DIP switch system with an electronic communication-based ID assignment mechanism. The master device communicates ID numbers to slave devices through digital protocols, substituting manual mechanical configuration with automated electronic provisioning, thereby improving ease of operation and reducing setup time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4293985B1Id number setting method and system having master device and slave device
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 WEIHAI NEW BEIYANG DIGITAL TECH
  • EP4293985B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4293985B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4293985B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are an ID number setting method and a system having master and slave devices, which relate to the field of automation devices. According to the ID number setting method and the system having master and slave devices which are provided in embodiments of the present application, when the state of a target object is changed from a first state to a second state, a slave device sends an ID number setting request to a master device, and the master device sends a setting command of a target ID number according to the received ID number setting request. The worker only needs to sequentially change states of target objects of multiple slave devices in a time division manner so that setting of ID numbers of the multiple slave devices can be sequentially completed.