Module identification method and system for path connectivity in modular systems

A configurable self-identifying workpiece transport system for moving an associated workpiece through a processing course, the workpiece transport system comprising:

• a plurality of modules disposed in selected positions relative to each other to define a plurality of processing paths, each of the plurality of modules having storage means for storing identification data specific to the module and each including a local communication circuit adapted to selectively execute a communication process to communicate with adjacent other modules thereby developing, within a first set of communicating modules, connectivity data, wherein communication between adjacent modules of said first set of communicating modules during said communication process is a proxy for a physical workpiece path therebetween;
• at least one control processor including an automatic identification system in communication with each of the plurality of modules for retrieving from said first set of modules said identification data and said connectivity data developed from the communication process between each of the plurality of modules and generating functional information about the workpiece transport system for use in moving said associated workpiece relative to the modules along said processing course, wherein said automatic identification system includes a link list processor for generating a link list table defining a physical connection between each of said plurality of modules in said transport system.

A method of operating a configurable self-identifying workpiece transport system, the transport system for moving an associated workpiece through a processing course, the method comprising:

• providing a plurality of modules, each of the plurality of modules having storage means for storing identification data specific to the module and each of the plurality of modules including a local communication circuit;
• disposing the plurality of modules in selected positions relative to each other to define a plurality of processing paths;
• selectively executing a local communication process by the plurality of modules to communicate with adjacent other modules thereby developing connectivity data within a first set of communicating modules, wherein communication between adjacent modules of said first set of communicating modules during said local communication process is a proxy for a physical workpiece path therebetween and enables each of the plurality of modules to determine physical connections between adjacent modules in said transport system;
• providing at least one control processor means including an automatic identification system in communication with each of the plurality of modules;
• using the automatic identification system of the at least one control processor, retrieving said identification data and said connectivity data developed from the local communication process;
• and,
• generating, by the at least one control processor means, functional information about the workpiece transport system for use in moving said associated workpiece relative to the modules along said processing course.