Serial Peripheral Addressing for Emergency Vehicle Control Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling multiple instances of the same peripheral devices in emergency vehicles face challenges such as mechanical switch failures, costly dedicated ports, and difficulties in addressing multiple devices within serial networks, especially in rugged environments.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for configuring multiple serial devices using a controller that assigns unique addresses to each device, allowing them to be individually addressable via a serial network, utilizing a software application to detect and assign addresses to peripherals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical dip switches are used to uniquely identify devices on the network, then device identification is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to failure in rugged operating environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical dip switches with software-based address configuration. The controller assigns logical addresses to peripheral devices through software commands transmitted over the serial network, eliminating mechanical components that are prone to failure in rugged environments. This substitution maintains device identification capability while significantly improving reliability.
2Ease of operation
If dedicated ports are provided for each instance of a peripheral device, then individual device control is achieved, but cost increases due to additional unused ports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal serial network interface that can address multiple peripheral devices of the same or different types through software configuration. Instead of requiring dedicated physical ports for each device instance, a single serial network port can communicate with multiple devices by addressing them with unique logical addresses. This multi-functional approach reduces the number of physical ports needed while maintaining individual device control capability.
3Quantity of substance
If serial networks are used to control lights, sirens and other peripherals, then cost is reduced by reducing copper consumption, but device addressing capability deteriorates when multiple instances of the same peripheral are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the serial network's addressing capability by implementing a software-based address assignment system. Each peripheral device is assigned a unique logical address parameter that can be configured through software commands. This allows the serial network to distinguish between multiple instances of the same peripheral type without requiring additional physical infrastructure, thereby maintaining cost efficiency while improving adaptability.
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.