Network Topology Visualization for Ring Wiring Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

In factory automation, configuring a ring topology network is complicated due to increased wiring, requiring visual checks or disconnection tests to ensure correct redundant wiring, which is inefficient and error-prone.

Innovation Solution

A management method and device that acquire actual network configuration information from a master device, detect and display ring topologies among slave devices, and identify which devices support the ring topology, allowing for intuitive visualization of network configurations and simplifying the setup process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a ring topology is configured to ensure network redundancy, then network reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to complicated wiring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork redundancyVSAvoidwiring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The management device serves as an intermediary between the master device and slave devices, automatically detecting ring topology configurations and generating configuration information without requiring manual visual inspection or disconnection tests by users

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-detection of ring topology by having the master device automatically identify slave devices connected in a ring configuration and generate appropriate configuration information, eliminating the need for manual wiring verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If visual checks or disconnection tests are performed to verify ring topology configuration, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to manual verification processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetopology verification accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical verification methods (visual checks and disconnection tests) with an automated information processing system where the master device automatically detects ring topology and generates configuration information

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The management device receives configuration information from the master device, detects ring topology automatically, and provides feedback by generating and outputting appropriate configuration information for slave devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20220166678A1Network management device, management method, and recording medium

Publication Date: 2022.05.26 OMRON CORP

AI summary

Provided is a management device that assists setting of ring topology in a network configuration of actual devices. A management device 3 is a management device that manages a network including a master device 1 and a plurality of slave devices 2 connected to the master device 1, and is provided with: an actual configuration information acquisition unit 332 that acquires, from the master device 1, actual configuration information D3 of an actual network; and a ring topology detection unit 333 that, on the basis of the actual configuration information D3, detects ring topology constituted of the plurality of slave devices 2, and identifiably displays the ring topology on an actual network configuration diagram that is displayed on the basis of the actual configuration information D3.