Numerical Controller Detects Removed Daisy Chain Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional numerical controllers require resetting of connection setting parameters when devices connected via a serial bus are removed, leading to potential erroneous associations with unintended devices and increased effort in parameter resetting.

Innovation Solution

A numerical controller with a connection information acquisition unit, comparison unit, storage unit, and data creation unit that identifies and excludes removed devices from connection settings, allowing for easy removal of serial bus-connected devices by matching connection numbers and IDs, thereby creating updated connection setting data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If connection setting parameters are reset when devices are removed from the serial bus, then the connection setting can be updated, but the operational burden increases and erroneous settings may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection setting accuracyVSAvoidparameter resetting effort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The numerical controller automatically detects removed devices by comparing connection information before and after device removal, and self-corrects the connection setting parameters without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously identifying the removed device through device ID comparison and updating the connection settings accordingly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the serial bus connection status, comparing current connection information with stored previous connection information, and using this feedback to automatically update connection settings when device removal is detected. The feedback loop ensures the connection settings remain synchronized with the actual physical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual parameter resetting is performed after device removal, then connection settings can be updated, but time is lost and erroneous associations may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection configuration flexibilityVSAvoidparameter resetting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The numerical controller stores connection information before device removal occurs, including device IDs and connection positions. When a device is removed, the system uses this pre-stored information to quickly identify what has changed and automatically updates the connection settings, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual parameter resetting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of parameter resetting with an automated information processing system. The numerical controller uses software-based comparison of connection information and automatic parameter generation, substituting the manual operator actions with automated computational processes that are both faster and more accurate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If connection settings are maintained after device removal, then operational simplicity is maintained, but incorrect device associations occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoiddevice identification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the serial bus and compares current device connections with stored connection information. When a discrepancy is detected (indicating device removal), the feedback mechanism triggers automatic detection of the removed device through device ID comparison and initiates correction of the connection settings to maintain accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces connection information storage as an intermediary between the physical device connections and the connection setting parameters. This intermediary layer stores the previous state of connections and enables comparison to detect changes, acting as a mediator that allows the system to maintain both operational simplicity and identification accuracy by automatically bridging the gap when devices are removed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10831176B2Numerical controller monitoring removal of daisy chained devices

Publication Date: 2020.11.10 FANUC LTD

AI summary

Provided is a numerical controller in which a plurality of devices is allowed to be connected to a serial bus by a daisy chain, acquiring, from each of the devices, a connection number on the daisy chain and a device ID as connection information, determining presence or absence of a problem by comparing the connection information with a connection setting parameter obtained by associating the connection number with a logic axis number of the numerical controller, storing the connection information acquired by the connection information acquisition unit when there is no problem in the determination, and identifying a removed device by comparing the connection information acquired by the connection information acquisition unit with the connection information stored in the connection information storage unit when there is a problem in the determination, and excluding the removed device from the connection setting parameter, thereby creating connection setting data.