Slave Network Configuration Using Default Identifier Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In networks with a Master-Slave architecture, particularly in Local Interconnect Networks (LIN), configuring slave devices of the same type is cumbersome and prone to errors due to their identical structure and function, requiring manual intervention and pre-assignment of identifiers which is inefficient and error-prone.
Innovation Solution
A method using a master device to automatically configure new slave devices by employing default identifiers, sending status requests, detecting missing devices, and assigning attributed identifiers through automated configuration requests, adhering to the LIN protocol, thereby eliminating the need for manual pre-assignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration by an operator is used to assign identifiers to slave devices, then each slave device can be uniquely identified in the network, but the configuration process becomes long and cumbersome and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The slave device automatically configures itself by receiving a default identifier through the communication interface and storing it in its memory, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention. The device serves itself by autonomously completing the configuration process when detecting it is the only missing slave device in the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The master device preliminarily assigns a default identifier to the new slave device before final configuration. This preliminary action allows the slave device to be immediately recognizable in the network, and subsequent automated steps complete the full configuration without requiring manual pre-assignment of final identifiers.
2Ease of manufacture
If identifiers are predetermined and stored in advance in slave devices, then configuration is simplified, but slave devices of the same type cannot be produced in series without knowing their mounting position
Solution Approach 1:
The slave device is preliminarily configured with a default identifier during manufacturing, allowing series production without knowing the specific mounting position. The default identifier enables basic network recognition, while the automated configuration process later assigns the final specific identifier based on the device's actual position in the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The identifier parameter transitions from a fixed predetermined value to a dynamic value that changes based on network detection. The slave device starts with a default identifier parameter and automatically updates it to a specific identifier parameter through the automated configuration process, allowing flexible adaptation to different mounting positions.
3Ease of operation
If a new slave device is introduced in the network without automated detection, then manual configuration is required, but automated configuration reduces manual effort and minimizes errors
Solution Approach 1:
The master device uses feedback from status requests to detect whether a new slave device has been introduced. By sending status requests with attributed identifiers and detecting responses or lack thereof, the master device automatically identifies missing slave devices and triggers the automated configuration process based on this feedback information.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration process is automated through self-service mechanisms where the master device automatically detects the need for configuration and the slave device automatically receives and stores its identifier. This eliminates manual operator intervention entirely, with both devices working autonomously to complete the configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a method for configuring a new slave device in a network comprising a master device and a plurality of slave devices of a same type, the master device storing a default identifier and respective attributed identifiers for the slave devices, the method comprising, for each stored attributed identifier, sending (302) a status request indicating the attributed identifier as receiver, and in case of an absence of response, associating (305) a status "missing" with the attributed identifier, ending (306) A request indicating the default identifier as receiver is also sent (306), and, upon reception (307) of a response to the request, a new slave device is detected. If so and if there is one and only one missing slave device, a configuration request indicating the default identifier as receiver is sent (309), for configuring the new slave device by replacing the default identifier with an attributed identifier.