Field Network Address Access for Memory-Limited Master Controllers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In control systems for factory automation, the limited storage capacity of master devices restricts their ability to manage and update network settings for slave devices, especially when prior information is lacking, limiting the provision of various functions.
Innovation Solution
The control system includes a master device and slave devices connected via a field network, where each slave device stores a node address and format information in a unique region, and an information providing part, such as a support apparatus or machine management server, provides the necessary information for the master device to access and utilize the node address, even when prior information is scarce.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the master device stores prior information about slave devices, then the master device can manage network settings effectively, but the limited storage capacity of the master device restricts its ability to manage and update network settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the storage function for slave device information from the master device and relocates it to the slave devices themselves. Each slave device stores its own node address and format information in its storage unit, eliminating the need for the master device to store this information, thus resolving the storage capacity limitation while maintaining reliable network settings management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an information providing part as an intermediary between the slave device storage units and the master device. This intermediary retrieves node address information from slave devices on demand and provides it to the master device, enabling the master to access necessary information without storing it permanently, thus resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and management reliability
2Device complexity
If the master device has limited storage capacity, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide various functions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal information providing part that can serve multiple functions: it can provide node address information for network identification, support slave device addition and removal operations, enable network setting updates, and facilitate various control functions. This single component performs multiple roles, allowing the master device to maintain simplicity while providing diverse functions through on-demand information retrieval from slave devices
3Ease of operation
If prior information is stored in the master device, then network settings can be managed, but settings via the network are limited due to storage constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static storage model into a dynamic retrieval model. Instead of the master device statically storing all slave device information, the system dynamically retrieves node address information from slave devices when needed. This dynamic approach enables flexible network settings management and allows settings to be updated by simply changing information in slave device storage units, which then automatically reflects in subsequent communications
Data Source
AI summary
A control system includes a master device and one or a plurality of slave devices connected to the master device via a field network. In a storage unit of each slave device, a node address is arranged in a unique region for each model of the slave devices. The control system further includes an information providing part which provides, in any slave device, information for specifying the region in which the node address is stored in the storage unit to the master device.