Automated configuration of communications for an ordered collection of devices
AssigneeHoneywell International Inc.
InventorDarren Duane Cofer
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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.
Claims11
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.
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.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.