Slave Device Data Duplication for Master Program Independence

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Solution Overview

Problem

In master/slave control systems, exchanging devices connected to a slave device often requires changing the programs of the master device, leading to lengthy processing delays due to differences in device types, manufacturers, and storage positions of ON/OFF information.

Innovation Solution

A slave device with a data generation unit that creates first data including ON/OFF and analog information, and a duplication unit that generates second data storing only ON/OFF information, allowing for easy device exchange without modifying the master device's programs by associating storage positions through user-settable setting information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If device exchange is performed in related art, then device replacement is possible, but program changes and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice exchangeabilityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control information into two parts: device-specific information (stored in the slave device) and program logic (stored in the master device). This segmentation allows the master device program to remain unchanged while the slave device adapts to different connected devices, resolving the contradiction between device exchangeability and processing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The slave device acts as an intermediary that receives control information from the master device, stores it in its non-volatile memory, and executes it locally. This intermediary role allows the master device to use a universal program while the slave device handles device-specific variations, enabling quick device exchange without program changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If device exchange is performed with different manufacturers, then device compatibility is tested, but program modification becomes necessary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturer compatibilityVSAvoidprogram complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The slave device is designed with universal functionality to work with devices from different manufacturers. It receives and executes control information in a standardized format while adapting to device-specific characteristics through its non-volatile memory storage, eliminating the need for master device program modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The slave device performs self-service by automatically storing and managing device-specific control information in its non-volatile memory. This self-management capability allows it to adapt to different manufacturers' devices without requiring external program modifications from the master device, reducing program complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10496279B2Slave device, control method of slave device, non-volatile computer readable recording medium

Publication Date: 2019.12.03 OMRON CORP

AI summary

A device is easily exchanged without changing a program of a controller. A device communication management unit generates digital input data that stores only ON/OFF information of a device in accordance with a copy setting information table set by a user.