Safety Relay Configuration via Optical Code
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for configuring small controllers, such as safety switching relays, are inflexible and require central lists for logistical processes, making it difficult to achieve application-specific configurations without preconfigured intelligent units and complex menu structures.
Innovation Solution
The system generates an optical code that stores all necessary technical information, including hardware and software configurations, which is read and decoded by process devices to execute sub-process programs, allowing for decentralized and application-specific configuration of small controllers without central lists.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If configuration is performed via software loading through RS232/USB or Ethernet connection requiring a PC, then configuration can be loaded and stored in memory, but the process becomes complex and requires additional equipment and centralized control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the configuration data from centralized software loading processes and embeds it directly into an optical code (barcode or QR code) that can be read by the device itself or by simple scanning equipment, eliminating the need for PCs and complex software loading processes
Solution Approach 2:
The device can read and process its own configuration data from the optical code using its integrated camera and decoder, enabling self-configuration without requiring external PCs or complex centralized control systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If centralized lists are used to store configuration data for logistical processes, then configuration management is centralized, but the system requires constant access to central lists and preconfigured intelligent units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration data into a self-contained optical code that can be processed independently by individual devices or process units, eliminating the need for centralized list management and enabling decentralized configuration processing
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration data is prepared in advance and encoded into the optical code before the device needs it, allowing the device to immediately process and execute its specific configuration without requiring real-time access to centralized systems
3Ease of operation
If optical codes are used to store configuration data, then self-configuration is enabled and centralized lists are eliminated, but the device requires integrated camera and decoder capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The optical code serves multiple functions: it stores configuration data, provides device identification, and enables communication parameters, reducing the need for multiple separate components and interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration data is copied into the optical code in a standardized format that can be read by various devices, allowing the same configuration information to be accessed and processed by different process units without requiring complex proprietary interfaces
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system for providing an individually configured small control system, in particular an individually configured safety switching relay. Here, a list of possible individual configuration settings for configurable small control systems is kept ready in a configuration device and, from the list of possible individual control settings kept ready in the configuration device, by means of the individual selection and combination of individual configuration settings, an individual overall configuration setting of a small control system to be configured is predefined. An optical code is generated on the basis of the predefinition of the individual overall configuration setting, within which code all the necessary data for the provision of the small control system to be configured individually on the basis of the individual overall configuration setting is stored. The optical code is then provided to a process control apparatus, which reads in and decodes said code and, on the basis of the data stored therein, controls the logistical process as far as the provision of the individually configured small control system on the basis of the individual overall configuration setting.