Network I/O System Automatic ID Assignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network I/O systems require manual setting of identification numbers for terminal communication units, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, and cannot dynamically recognize the connection configuration or type of controlled devices.

Innovation Solution

A network I/O system that dynamically configures identification numbers based on network routing, eliminating the need for manual assignment of unique addresses and allowing for dynamic recognition of terminal communication units and connected devices, using a central communication unit and terminal communication units with upstream and downstream ports to store and transmit identification and routing data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual setting of identification numbers is performed using switches and ROM, then unique addresses can be assigned to terminal communication units, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone when changing or adding network configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of identification number assignmentVSAvoidtime required for setting and changing network configurations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal communication unit automatically generates and assigns its own identification number based on the daisy-chain connection order, eliminating the need for manual setting. When a terminal unit is connected, it automatically receives the current identification number from the upstream unit, increments it, and stores it in its ROM, thereby serving itself without external intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The identification number is pre-assigned to each terminal communication unit during manufacturing by automatically incrementing from the upstream unit's number and storing it in ROM before the system is put into service. This preliminary assignment eliminates the need for manual configuration later

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If MAC addresses are set in advance during manufacturing, then unique identification is achieved, but a large load is required for address management from manufacturing to user transfer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunique address assignmentVSAvoidaddress management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The identification number management is segmented into automatic local generation at each terminal unit based on connection order, rather than centralized management. Each unit independently determines its own ID through the daisy-chain sequence, distributing the management function across multiple units

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each terminal communication unit automatically generates its own identification number based on its position in the daisy-chain connection, eliminating the need for external address management systems. The unit serves itself by autonomously assigning its ID during the connection process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If manual confirmation of network configuration and device types is performed, then accurate system setup is achieved, but a large number of man-hours are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of network configuration setupVSAvoidspeed of system configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal communication unit automatically transmits its identification number and the connected controlled device type to the host computer without requiring manual confirmation. The host computer automatically records this information, enabling the system to self-configure and eliminating manual verification steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal communication unit automatically provides feedback to the host computer regarding its identification number and the type of controlled device connected. This automatic feedback mechanism enables the host computer to dynamically recognize and record the network configuration without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9325572B2Component mounting system

Publication Date: 2016.04.26 HITACHI HIGH TECH CORP

AI summary

A network I/O system includes a central communication unit having a communication port and a plurality of terminal communication units each having an upstream communication port and a plurality of downstream ports wherein the central communication unit transmits, to the terminal communication units, routing data of the central communication unit to the terminal communication units for setting identification numbers in the terminal communication units and data of the identification number of the terminal communication units, the terminal communication units refer to the data to transmit to the downstream communication port and set the identification number in a targeted terminal communication unit, and a communication port number of the downstream communication port is appended to routing recognition data to be transmitted from the terminal communication units to the central communication unit at a time of passing through the terminal communication units, thereby recognizing a network configuration.