Optical Measurement Device Network Synchronization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Optical measurement devices connected to industrial networks like EtherCAT face synchronization challenges, making it difficult for master devices to determine when measurement results are acquired, leading to inaccuracies in synchronization between measurement and communication cycles.
Innovation Solution
An optical measurement device with an interface module that receives synchronization signals from the industrial network, synchronizing its measurement cycle with the communication cycle, allowing it to send measurement results to the master device during the next communication cycle, ensuring accurate timing of data acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the optical measurement device performs continuous measurements through internal synchronization, then measurement continuity is improved, but synchronization with the industrial network becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the measurement cycle adaptable and synchronized with the industrial network communication cycle. The measurement device dynamically adjusts its measurement timing based on synchronization signals from the master device, allowing continuous measurements while maintaining accurate synchronization with the network. This resolves the contradiction by making the system flexible rather than rigidly internal-synchronized.
2Measurement precision
If the measurement device acquires optical information over a certain period, then measurement accuracy is improved, but synchronization between measurement timing and result output becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using synchronization signals from the master device to regulate the measurement device's operation. The measurement device receives synchronization signals that provide feedback about the network timing, allowing it to adjust its measurement cycle to complete acquisitions within the required timeframes while maintaining accuracy. This feedback mechanism ensures both measurement precision and timing synchronization.
3Speed
If the optical measurement device operates with internal synchronization, then measurement speed is improved, but the master device cannot determine when measurements were taken
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary synchronization signal mechanism that mediates between the measurement device's internal timing and the master device's network timing. The synchronization signals act as intermediaries, carrying timing information from the master device to the measurement device and back, allowing the measurement device to operate at high speed while the master device can determine when measurements were taken through the synchronization protocol.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
To provide an optical measurement device that allows a master device to use the measurement value entering the master device to determine when the measurement was taken. An optical measurement device 3 is configured for connection to an industrial network (a fieldbus 2) that functions to synchronize time between a master device and a slave device. The optical measurement device 3 provided with an interface module 31 configured to receive a synchronization signal transmitted on the fieldbus 2 from the master device (PLC 1) within a fixed communication cycle, and a measurement unit 32 configured to perform optical measurements in a measurement cycle. The measurement unit 32 synchronizes when a measurement is taken with the communication cycle in accordance with a synchronization signal received by the interface module 31.