Dynamic Address Assignment for Pool and Spa Device Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing device discovery and address assignment protocols for networks, such as Modbus, require pre-assignment of unique addresses to devices, making setup and configuration time-consuming and error-prone.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for dynamic device discovery and address assignment, where a master device transmits a discovery request, receives responses from slave devices with pre-configured identifiers, and assigns network addresses based on these identifiers, eliminating the need for pre-assignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pre-assignment of unique addresses is required for device discovery, then device identification reliability is improved, but setup time and configuration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each slave device is pre-configured with a unique identifier during manufacturing, but this identifier is not used for network communication until needed. The system performs preliminary discovery actions by broadcasting a discovery request that elicits responses containing these pre-configured identifiers, allowing the master to subsequently assign network addresses dynamically without requiring manual pre-configuration of addressable identifiers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a two-stage identification system where a pre-configured unique identifier serves as an intermediary between the physical device and the network address. The discovery request/response mechanism acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between devices with only factory-default identifiers and the network addressing system, enabling automatic address assignment while maintaining reliable device identification.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual pre-addressing of devices is required, then address uniqueness is improved, but configuration error rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service configuration where slave devices automatically provide their pre-configured unique identifiers in response to discovery requests. The master device automatically processes these identifiers and assigns network addresses without human intervention. This eliminates manual address configuration entirely, preventing configuration errors while ensuring address uniqueness through the automatic mapping of pre-configured identifiers to network addresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of pre-addressing devices with an automated electronic discovery and assignment system. Instead of manually configuring each device's address, the system uses electronic discovery requests and responses to automatically identify devices and assign addresses, eliminating the error-prone manual configuration step while maintaining address uniqueness.
3Device complexity
If incremental addressing schemes are used, then device discovery is simplified, but flexibility to add devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic address assignment where network addresses are not fixed during manufacturing but are assigned dynamically during the device discovery process. When new slave devices are added to the network, the master device broadcasts a discovery request, receives responses with pre-configured identifiers, and automatically assigns new network addresses from an available pool. This dynamic approach maintains simple discovery protocol operation while providing complete flexibility to add any number of devices without reconfiguring existing addresses.
Data Source
AI summary
A pool or spa system includes networked pool or spa devices that can be dynamically configured with network addresses by a controller. The controller can transmit a device discovery request on a network and can receive a discovery response from pool or spa devices that require a network address. The system determines and assigns the network addresses for the pool or spa devices based on unique device identifiers associated with the responding pool or spa devices. The network addresses assigned to the pool or spa device are transmitted to the pool or spa device to be used by the pool or spa devices to communicate with the controller over the network. The system can be used to discover and assign addresses to various types of pool or spa devices, such as pumps, underwater lights, chlorinators, water feature controllers, remote controllers, and/or other types of devices.