Automated configuration of communications for an ordered collection of devices

• US 6,424,874 B1
• Filed: 06/29/2000
• Issued: 07/23/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 06/29/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
• Original Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
• Inventors: Cofer, Darren Duane
• Primary Examiner(s): Gordon, Stephen T.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Coletta, Lori L
• Application Number:
  US09/606,711
• Time in Patent Office: 754 Days
• Field of Search: 700/18, 700/28, 700/56, 700/59, 700/173, 700/181
• US Class Current: 700/56
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/042 using digital processors G05B19/05 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/21029 Address of module determined by function of module

Abstract

Device configuration information is automatically determined with respect to a physical process that multiple devices monitor or control. The physical process is exercised, with each device tracking progression of the process and determining a preceding device and a successor device. Messages are produced in a configuration mode by each device in a system indicating when some phase of the process monitored by the device begins and ends.

Claims

1. A method of automatically configuring a plurality of devices associated with a process, the method comprising:

initiating an event in the process;

as each device notices the event, providing a receive message; and

providing a send message when the event concludes for the device.

2. The method of claim 1 and further comprising storing an indication of a preceding device.

3. The method of claim 1 and further comprising storing an indication of a succeeding device.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein a central control system stores indications of an ordering of the plurality of devices based on progression of the event.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the send and receive messages comprise a change of value message sent to the central control system.

6. The method of claim 4 wherein the central control system places each device in a configuration mode prior to the initiation of the event in the process.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein each device stores identifications of succeeding and preceding devices based on the messages.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein events are initiated at multiple entry points in the process.

9. A device which monitors progress of a portion of a physical process, the device comprising:

a sensor that detects progress of the portion of the physical process;

a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor that operates in a normal mode and in an auto configuration mode, wherein two messages are broadcast in auto configuration mode, including a receive message indicating that the physical process is beginning for that portion, and a send message indicating that the physical process has completed for that portion.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the controller identifies a preceding device in the physical process by receiving a send message from a preceding device immediately before detecting the beginning of the physical process in its associated portion.

11. The device of claim 9 wherein the controller identifies a succeeding device in the physical process by receiving a receive message immediately after detecting the end of the physical process in its associated portion.