Signal Processing Interface for Superposed-Signal Device Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing three-line communication methods, such as IO-LINK, require multiple wires for power and signal transmission, leading to increased complexity and time for signal recognition in sensor systems, and there is a need to incorporate devices not compatible with superposed signal communication into systems using such methods.
Innovation Solution
A control program and method for a terminal device that connects to a signal processing device via a communication cable, enabling the acquisition and output of identification information to facilitate the use of non-compatible devices in systems using superposed signals by generating association information between the signal processing device and connected apparatuses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If three-line communication methods (IO-LINK) are used for sensor communication, then communication functionality is achieved, but the number of wires increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power supply lines and signal lines into a single communication cable. The signal processing device superposes data signals on operation signals (or vice versa) and transmits them through the same cable that carries both power and control signals, thereby reducing wire count while maintaining full communication functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The communication cable serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power supply, transmits operation signals, and carries data signals for communication. This multi-functional use of a single cable eliminates the need for separate wires for each function, resolving the contradiction between communication capability and wire complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensor converts detection signal to communication data for transmission, then communication capability is achieved, but the time required for external apparatus to recognize detection signal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data signal generation function from the sensor itself and places it in the signal processing device. The sensor only needs to output raw detection signals, while the signal processing device handles the conversion to communication data format, thereby reducing the sensor's processing burden and accelerating overall signal recognition time
Solution Approach 2:
The signal processing device acts as an intermediary between the sensor and the external communication network. It receives raw detection signals from the sensor, converts them to appropriate communication data format, and transmits them via the superposed signal system, thereby enabling fast recognition without requiring the sensor to perform complex conversion operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensor performs conversion processing of detection signals, then communication data transmission is achieved, but circuit configurations of sensor and external apparatus become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the signal conversion functionality from the sensor circuit and relocates it to the signal processing device circuit. The sensor circuit becomes simpler, requiring only detection and basic signal output, while the signal processing device assumes the complexity of conversion processing, thereby simplifying overall system circuit configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The signal processing device serves as an intermediary that handles the complex conversion processing between different signal formats. This mediator approach allows the sensor to maintain a simple circuit configuration while still achieving sophisticated data transmission capabilities through the intermediate processing stage
4Device complexity
If systems use superposed signals for communication, then wire reduction is achieved, but apparatus not compatible with superposed signal communication cannot be incorporated
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing device acts as a mediator between superposed signal-compatible devices and incompatible devices. It receives operation signals from incompatible devices, superposes data signals onto them, and transmits the combined signal through the communication cable, thereby enabling incompatible devices to function within the superposed signal system without requiring modification
Solution Approach 2:
The signal processing device provides multiple functions: it handles both superposed signal communication and traditional operation signal transmission through the same communication cable. This universal interface allows the system to accommodate both compatible and incompatible devices, enhancing overall system adaptability while maintaining wire reduction benefits
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention enables an apparatus or the like, which does not respond to a communication using a superposed signal, to be used in a system using the superposed signal. This control program, which is for a terminal device connectable to a signal processing device through a communication cable, includes: first identification information acquisition steps for acquiring, from the signal processing device, first identification information for identifying the signal processing device in the terminal device; second identification information acquisition steps for acquiring, through an input part of the terminal device, second identification information for identifying an electric apparatus that is electrically connected to the signal processing device and operates an operation element; generation steps for generating association information for associating the first identification information with the second identification information; and output steps for outputting the association information so that the association information is received by the information processing device.