IDENTITY INSERT FOR ELECTRONIC MODULES

Abstract: A multiple pin insert having a distinct electrically readable pin pattern and a corresponding visually readable label is useful as an identifier for electronic modules and other elements in electrical networks. Differing inserts each with identifiable labels, and corresponding electrical pin patterns may be inserted in devices to identify and distinguish the differing network modules or lines and thereby facilitate assembly, maintenance, testing and operation.

Description: IDENTITY INSERT FOR ELECTRONIC MODULES 1. Technical Field The invention relates to electric module identi¬ fiers, and more particularly to plug insertable identifiers. 2. Background Art Electronic networks may spread over great dis¬ tances connecting many modules and other connection points. Proper identification of the devices and connections is then a troublesome aspect in assembly and testing of the network. In particular where there is a multiplicity of modules and connections, it is difficult, and time consuming to clearly identify where inputs are arriving from and where outputs should go. Currently, the problem is solved by associating a particular physical connection point, for example a slot in an equipment rack, with the required device or signal. The device is then confined to the single position, and replacement requires clearing the slot of the old device before a replacement device can be started. The objectives of the present invention are to support self configuration and verification, provide information for on line reconfiguration, allow modules to be installed in any available slot, provide an identification meaningful to the user, as opposed to confusable physical slot addressing, provide a basis for a configuration data base con¬ taining a list of variables, locations, and types for each network device, and allow the detection of common configuration errors, such as a mismatch between signal and input output module. A further objective is to minimize the need for cable tags and to facilitate the replacement or relocation of input output modules. A still further objective is to provide a module identifier useful for functional interaction with the associated device. Summary of the Invention The present invention is a module identifier electrically readable by a processor, and preferrably visually readable and interchangeable by a user. One side of an individual identifier insert is embossed '.with a single alphanumeric character or other symbol -readable by a viewer. The opposite side has an electric pin pattern corresponding by a code to the embossed character and readable by electronic means. A complex label may be created by interlocking several identifiers to form a module identifier as letters are assembled to spell a word. Thus the • module identifier forms a label readable both by an operator and a processor. Module identifiers elim¬ inate the need for physical location based addres¬ sing, such as a slot based addressing. Brief Description of the Drawings FIG. 1 shows a perspective front view of an indicating insert. FIG. 2 shows a perspective rear view of an indicating insert. FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of several linked indicating inserts to form a module identifier. FIG. 4 shows an electric schematic for reading a module identifier. FIG. 5 shows a table of characters and associated pin patterns for invertible inserts. Like items are numbered the same on the drawings. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention FIG. 1 illustrates an indicating insert. Gener¬ ally, an indicating insert is a small device with a single character or symbol embossed on the front surface. The rear surface has two or more pins that are electrically connected. The pins are arranged, sized ajnd shaped to be plugged into a socket. Not all the pins are required and according to the presence or absence of pins in particular positions, a pattern is formed corresponding to the particular character or symbol embossed on the front surface. The preferred form of manufacturing an insert shown in FIG. 1, uses a base 10 of injection molded gray plastic modified polyethylene oxide. A particu¬ lar visual character 12 is hot stamped on the front surface with an orientation identifier shown as a character underline 14. A tongue 16 running vertically is formed on one side, and a corresponding groove 18 running vertical is formed on the opposite side. The symmetric tongue 16 and groove 18 portions formed on the sides enable several inserts to be interlocked as a unit FIG. 3. Separate indicating inserts may then be assembled to form module identifier with an identifying word or label across the front face of the module. The underline 14, tongue 16 and groove 18 patterns control proper orientation of individual inserts in the module identifier. One or more guides may be formed along the insert to orient proper insertion of the module identifier in a socket. Applicants prefer an upper groove 20 of a half cylindrical section extending along the upper surface partially from the rear surface towards the front surface of the insert. When the insert is properly aligned, a socket guide can fit the full extension of the groove. If the insert is incorrect¬ ly oriented, the lower surface with no groove en¬ counters the socket guide thereby preventing inser¬ tion. Sockets without guides allow both rightside up and upside down insertion of the module identi¬ fier. FIG. 2, shows a perspective rear view of an indicating insert on a rear surface of the base 10, two parallel slots 24, 26 are fprmed, with four regularly spaced notches 28 formed in each of • the outside walls of the slots 24, 26 and extending per¬ pendicular to the rear surface of the base 10. An elongated U-shaped nickle-plated steel shorting strip 30 is fitted in the parallel slots 24, 26 of the base and staked to the rear of the base 10. Particular notches 28 are selected according to a pin code relating the embossed front character 12 to a pin pattern. Brass pins 32 with a tin-lead coating are then pushed into the selected notches 28 and held in place between the shorting strip 30 and the base 10 to form a gas-tight electrical connection with the shorting strip 30. In an alternatived method of manufacture, an indicating insert is made of injection molded nylon. The pins and shorting strip are stamped as one piece of formed brass. Unused pins are removed by shearing to create the designated pin pattern. Nylon is then injected about the shorting strip, and the visual character is hot stamped on the front surface. In the preferred form, the indicating insert has eight pin positions arranged in two rows and numbered 0 through 7. Each pin position may or may not have a pin in it. All pins are shorted together. Thus each pin pattern can be associated with an array of eight Boolean variables, CO through C7 where Ci is 1, if the i'th pin position has a pin present, and 0 otherwise. The array is the pin code for the indi¬ cating insert. Numerous other pin support and pin cross connec¬ tion methods are possible. The pins may be switched on the insert forming a universal insert. The number of pins is not limited to eight, nor is the pin arrangement limited to two parallel sets. The pin pattern may be formed other than by including or excluding pins. Two variations merit mentioning. All pins may be present, but only those forming part of the pin code are electrically linked, as for example by a cover piece with a cross link pattern contacting only the appropriate pins. Also a single cross link pattern is not required. Pins may be arranged in several groups with each group being cross linked, but separate from other cross linked groups. - Further while the preferred method develops signal returns by a spatial pattern, a return time pattern method is also possible, for example, the time between the returning signals would correspond to the insert character. FIG. 3 shows six inserts linked by the tongue 16 and groove 18 structures to form a single module identifier 40 with the label "AXA123" across the module's front. The single module identifier 40 acts as an insertable unit. The individual inserts then act as individual letters allowing meaningful words to be assembled as labels. The label may correspond to a plant location, a module function, or other user selected labeling scheme. Alphanumeric combinations such as "R12345", "water" and "H 2 0" may be used, and other symbols may be developed such as a water drop, valve symbol or others. Modules may be located in an industrial environ¬ ment in a variety of fashions making proper orienta¬ tion of the module identifier 40 ambiguous, or dif- ficult to read for a conveniently positioned human. To help resolve these problems, the sockets receiv¬ ing the inserts or module identifiers may be con¬ structed in two forms. One form allows inversion, and the other prohibits inversion. In the invertible format the pin patterns may be rotated half a turn and still be electically decipherable. The user then does not have to be concerned with orientation of the module identifier. FIG. 4 shows a circuit schematic for reading six inserts assembled as a module identifier 40, and a seventh virtual character. The virtual indicating insert has no socket or physical location, and is encoded on the circuit dielectric within the termin¬ ation connector. The seventh virtual character jnay be used to encode the termination connector type. A microprocessor 50 including software issues read requests along a bus 52 to a digital interface 51. Extending from the digital interface 51 are commons lines 54-66, one each for each of the inserts (two shown, 70, 71) allowed in a module identifier and one for the virtual character 72. Six inserts are thought to form a convenient module identifier, so seven common lines 54-66 are shown. Each common line 54-64 contacts a zero contact 74 position in a socket for each associated insert. Similarly a seventh common line 66 connects to the zero contact 74 point of the virtual character 72. For each insert socket, seven issuing lines 76 return from the remaining seven contact points 78 of each insert socket through diodes 80 to seven response lines 82. Each response line 82 is then joined to one of the contact points 78 in each of the sockets. The seven response lines 82 in one direction return to the digital interface 51, and in the opposite direction extend t.o resistive loads 84 being controlled by the system. In the preferred embodiment, the micro¬ processor 50, digital interface 51 and module iden¬ tifier 40 are-located only a short distance apart as parts of a single module; however, it is possible that any or all may be located at great distance from each other. To read an insert character 70, a test signal is issued on the insert's common line 54 to the zero contact . 74. The signal is passed by the shorting strip 30 of the insert 70 to any pins present. Where there are pins present, the signal passes the issuing lines 76 and diodes 80 to the response lines 82. The pattern _of the return signals is then determined- by the presence or absence of a pin in the insert com¬ pleting the connection to the socket contact 78 and issuing line 76. The seven response lines 82 are examined by the microprocessor 50 via the digital interface 51 for returned signals. The insert's pin pattern is com¬ pared by the microprocessor 50 with a list held in the microprocessor's memory. When the pin pattern matches one in the list, the associated character is then known. The process of determining the module identifier label occurs similarly. Each insert is examined in sequence to determine the insert's character. As each insert's character is identified the module identifier's label is built. FIG. 5 shows the preferred embodiment of a table of characters and associated pin patterns for invert- ible inserts. A character is shown in the first column, and a corresponding pin code of eight pin positions is shown spanning the next eight columns. Each of the pin position columns for a character lists either a number when a pin is present in that position, or a blank when no pin is present in that position in the insert. In the preferred embodiment, each pin code has a common pin position used for test signal input. The codes of FIG 5 show the common pin in position zero corresponding to the zero contact 74. Pin codes are chosen to have an even number of pins (2, 4, 6, or 8) so each code has even parity. One bit errors caused by pin contact failure are then detectable. Pin codes are otherwise chosen so for each distinguishable symbol is associated with a distinguishable pin pattern. The problem of recog¬ nizing which indicating insert is present is then to determine which pin positions have pins present. - Indicating inserts when used in sockets with socket guides can be oriented in only one way. Since upside down characters are prohibited mechanically, there can be only one meaning for a detected pin pattern. The number of available patterns exceeds the number of letters and digits, so there are addi¬ tional codes that can be used for special characters. Special symbols may include greek, mathematical, chemical, or similar typographic characters; or may be pictorial or hieroglphic characters for example a circuit switch schematic, or a water faucet icon. FIG. 5 shows applicants' preferred table of codes for noninvertible module identifiers for the charac¬ ters including the alphabet, the digits and nine other symbols. The procedure for reading the indicating inserts of a module identifier is simple. There is always a pin in socket contact 0. Only the contact voltages at pins 1 through 7 are read with contact 0 held high. The procedure is to read a 7 bit array, Q[l] . . . Q[7] . The array Q is effectively the same as the P0 array in the invertible module case. Q[0] is defined to be 1. Next, a table of codes is scanned for Q and returns a character LETTER plus a Boolean flag FOUND. If FOUND is false, an error is reported. To facilitate the electrical decoding of the invertable indicating inserts, the common pins 0 and 7 are placed at diagonal corners of the pinout, making the common positions invariant with inversion. This shortens the list of available pin codes for character definition. Since in the preferred em¬ bodiment symmetrical pin configurations are not used, inversion of an indicating insert causes the pin pattern-to be transposed, yielding a different elec- trically readable code. Consequently, each invert¬ ible indicating insert is assigned a pair of codes. The method reading invertible module identifiers is then to gather the pin pattern as before, and then - search a list of pin codes for rightside up charac- ters, and then search a list of pin codes for upside down characters. The rightside up and upside down characters pin code lists are constructed so the two do not include the same pin codes. While there have been shown and described what are at present considered to be the preferred em¬ bodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the ap¬ pended claims, for example though most easily under¬ stood in terms of identifiying a communications line, an indicating insert is useable generally at any identifiable connection point having several signal path connections for either issuing signals to or receiving signals from a test point. Another method of solving the ambiguity of inversion, though not preferred by applicants, is to establish a rule that each label include a orienta- tion character. The orientation characters, which use nonsymetrical codes, could include among others A, B, C, D, E, F, G, J, K, P, R, T, U, V, and Y. A label composed of only X's and O's would then be disallowed. During software examination of the label, the nonsynetrical character is sought to determine the label's overall orientation. If no orientation character is found, an error is gener¬ ated. Module identifiers can serve other functions -be- sides mere labeling. The function of the device may be called into action by the choice of a particular identifier. For example, industrial controllers commonly use proportional (P) , integral (I), and derivative (D) functions in various combinations to control a process. Such a PID controller operating on a water line might then be labeled PIDH20 to produce all three functions. By replacing the I and D inserts with blank inserts, the label reads P H20. A controller designed to look to the first three label characters for function definition is then altered to function as a proportional (P) only con¬ troller. Other function switching may occur by associating an available function with a particular insert character either present in the label, or present in a particular label position. Methods for initiating or inhibiting available choices in a device by reading a character input are thought to be within the skill in the art.

Claims: What is claimed is: 1. A connection identifier apparatus for use with an electrical connection point having signal input and output channels, comprising: A) an input channel for receiving an electrical input signal, B) means for generating from the electrical input signal one of a group of distinguish- able electrical output signals, and C) means for issuing the generated output signal. 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a visually readable symbolic marking having a corres¬ pondence to the output signal. 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for generating the distinguishable electrical output signal comprises a means for distributing the input signal to a combination of distinguishable output connections selected from a group consisting of the distinguishable combinations of connections to form a distinguishable output pattern. 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the output connections of the selected pattern are mutually joined to the input signal. 5. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a visually readable orientation marking indicating proper orientation with the connection point. 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus further includes separable mechanical linkages to the connection point providing the input signal, and receiving the output signal, whereby the apparatus is held in contact while remaining separable from the contact point for interchange by a similar con¬ nection identifier. 7. The apparatus of claim 1 further including link points to join the apparatus to a second, similarly configured apparatus. 8. The apparatus of claim 4 further including link points with restricted orientation to join the apparatus to a second, similarly configured apparatus in the restricted orientation whereby the markings are similarly oriented. 9. A module identifier apparatus for use with an electrical connection point having signal input and output channels, comprising: A) a series of input channels for receiving electrical input signals, B) means for generating from each input signal one of a group of distinguishable electrical output signals corresponding to a visually readable marking on the module identifier, and C) means for issuing the generated output signals to output means. 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the means for generating the distinguishable electrical output signal comprises a means for distributing the input signal to a combination of distinguishable output connections selected from a group consisting of the distinguishable combinations of connections to form a distinguishable output pattern. 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the output connections of the selected pattern are mutually joined to the input signal. 12. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the generated output signals are issued to a single output means. 13. A connection identifier comprising: A) means for receiving an electrical input, B) means for connecting the electrical input to a selected group of electrical outputs, the selection being one of a group of distin¬ guishable electrical patterns, and C) means for reading the electrial outputs to determine the selected pattern. 14. A connection identifier comprising: A) One or more electrical input connectors .positioned at a predetermined site to receive an input signal, B) One or more electrical output sites to receive an input signal, the connectors arranged in a fixed pattern for making elec¬ trical contact at a connection site, C) an electical cross linkage between the input connector and the one or more output con¬ nectors to provide an identifiable pattern, and D) an exposed marking corresponding to the identifiable pattern. 15. A module indentifier apparatus comprising: a) a processing unit including i) means to receive at least a request signal, ii) means to issue at least one test signal, iii) means to receive at least one response signal, iv) means to issue an identification signal, and v) means for responding to the request signal, for issuing the test signal, for decoding the response signal and for issuing the identification signal; and b) an interchangeable identifier having i) a symbolic marking of one of a set of visually distinguishable symbols, ii) means for receiving the test signal iii) means for transforming the test signal to one of a group consisting of distinguish¬ able response signals, corresponding to the symbolic marking, and iv) means for issuing the response signal to the processor. 16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the means for generating the distinguishable electrical output signal comprises a means for distributing the input signal to a combination of distinguishable output connections selected from a group consisting of the distinguishable combinations of connections to form a distinguishable output pattern. 17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the output connections of the selected pattern are mutually joined to the input signal. 18. The apparatus of claim 15 further including a visually readable orientation marking indicating proper orientation with the connection point. 19. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the apparatus further includes separable mechanical linkages to the connection point providing the input signal, and receiving the output signal, whereby the apparatus is held in contact while remaining separable from the contact point for interchange by a similar con- nection identifier. 20. The apparatus of claim 15 further including link points to join the apparatus to a second, similarly configured apparatus. 21. The apparatus of claim 20 further including link points with restricted orientation to join the appar¬ atus to a second, similarly configured apparatus in the restricted orientation whereby the markings are similarly oriented.

Inventors: TOBOL NATHAN H, TOBOL, NATHAN, H.
Applicants: FOXBORO CO, THE FOXBORO COMPANY
Application year: 1988
Main classification: G01R31
IPC codes: G01R31, G05B23, G06F1, G06F11, G09F7, H01R13