Emergency Vehicle Serial Peripheral Addressing Without DIP Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling multiple serial devices in emergency response vehicles face challenges in distinguishing between multiple instances of the same peripheral, leading to difficulties in addressing and controlling these devices effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows for the configuration and control of multiple serial devices by assigning unique addresses to each device, enabling them to receive and respond to addressable commands from a controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical dip switches are used to address multiple instances of the same peripheral, then each device can be uniquely identified, but the system becomes prone to failure in rugged operating environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical dip switches with an electronic/software-based addressing system. The controller assigns unique addresses to multiple instances of the same peripheral device through software configuration, eliminating the need for physical mechanical components that are prone to failure in rugged environments. This substitution maintains the ability to uniquely identify each device while removing the reliability issues associated with mechanical switches.
2Ease of manufacture
If alternate means of binary encoding via loops of cut and uncut wires is used, then devices can be addressed, but re-addressing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic addressing system where device addresses can be changed through software configuration rather than being fixed by physical wire configurations. The controller can assign and reassign addresses to peripheral devices as needed, allowing flexible re-addressing without requiring physical modifications to wiring loops. This dynamic approach enables easy reconfiguration of device addresses to accommodate changing system requirements.
3Ease of operation
If dedicated ports on a controller are provided for each instance of a particular device, then each device can be controlled individually, but the cost increases due to additional ports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal addressing scheme where a single communication bus or network is used to control multiple instances of the same peripheral device type. Each device is assigned a unique address within the network, allowing the controller to individually address and control any device through the shared communication medium. This eliminates the need for dedicated physical ports for each device instance, reducing controller complexity and cost while maintaining individual device control capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and storage medium for configuring and operating a plurality of serial devices in an emergency response vehicle. The system may include a plurality of peripheral devices, each configured to receive and store an address, a controller configured to transmit addressable commands to each of the devices, at least two of the devices having a first device type wherein the addresses of each of the devices are selectable by a user. The method may include selecting a plurality of peripheral devices, each configured to receive and store an address, with at least two of the devices have a same device type, connecting each of the devices to a computer executing configuration software, detecting each of the devices, receiving an address for at least one of the devices, and storing the address in a storage medium.