Relay Slave Control for Grouped Multi-Device Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing master-slave control systems in factory automation face challenges in receiving detection signals and additional information from sensor apparatuses connected in series, requiring multiple communication ports and increasing costs and processing time.
Innovation Solution
A slave apparatus that communicates with multiple devices via a single port, using a device communication control unit and a higher-level communication control unit to transmit additional information and control signals, allowing for efficient data relay and grouping of device states for faster processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication ports are used to receive detection signals and additional information from multiple sensor apparatuses connected in parallel, then the ability to receive both detection signals and additional information is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single communication port is designed to handle multiple functions: receiving detection signals, receiving additional information, and managing communication with multiple sensor apparatuses connected in series. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate communication ports for each sensor type or connection method.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple communication functions that were previously separated into different ports are merged into a single communication port. The port combines detection signal reception, additional information reception, and multi-device communication capabilities into one unified interface, reducing device complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple communication ports are used to connect multiple sensor apparatuses in parallel, then the quantity of information received is improved, but the cost for facility investment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication port is designed as a universal interface that can receive both detection signals and additional information from multiple sensor apparatuses through a single port, eliminating the need for multiple ports and reducing facility investment costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the reception of detection signals and additional information into a single communication port, combining multiple information streams into one interface. This reduces the total number of ports needed and lowers facility investment costs while maintaining full information reception capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If detection signals from all sensor apparatuses are received and processed sequentially by the master apparatus, then processing accuracy is improved, but the control speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The slave apparatus performs preliminary processing and aggregation of detection signals from multiple sensor apparatuses before transmitting to the master apparatus. This preliminary action at the slave level enables the master apparatus to make control decisions faster without sacrificing processing accuracy, as the slave has already prepared and organized the data.
Solution Approach 2:
The slave apparatus acts as an intermediary between multiple sensor apparatuses and the master apparatus. It receives, processes, and aggregates detection signals from multiple sensors, then transmits consolidated information to the master apparatus, enabling faster control decisions while maintaining processing accuracy through proper signal aggregation.
Data Source
AI summary
A relay apparatus is provided to achieve high-speed control, while suppressing costs for communication with a plurality of devices, by notifying additional information of the devices to a master apparatus and increasing the efficiency of transmission/reception of signals among the master apparatus and the devices. The relay apparatus communicates with a plurality of devices through a single device communication port. The relay apparatus receives additional information from each of the plurality of devices; and transmits/receives signals in units of groups to which each of the plurality of devices belongs.