Automation Device Data Block Subdivision and Internal Copying
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for loading data blocks into automation devices are inefficient due to long load times and limited communication bandwidth, especially during the commissioning of technical installations, where fast configuration changes are required, and the presence of multiple communication channels with higher priority services.
Innovation Solution
The method involves subdividing data blocks into multiple areas, where areas common to both data blocks are copied within the automation device rather than being retransmitted, minimizing the number of data areas to be supplied and optimizing communication resources by determining the most efficient transfer or copying sequence based on data volume and system status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the complete data block is supplied to the automation device via communication line, then all data areas are available for controlling the technical process, but the load time becomes excessively long due to limited communication bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The data block is divided into multiple data areas that can be independently identified and transferred. Only the necessary data areas (those not already present in the automation device) are supplied via the communication line, while common data areas are obtained by copying from existing memory areas within the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs a preliminary comparison between the new data block and existing data blocks to identify common data areas before the loading process. This preliminary analysis enables the system to prepare a loading plan that minimizes communication bandwidth usage by pre-identifying which data areas can be copied internally rather than transferred externally.
2Productivity
If multiple communication channels are used for additional services with high priority, then process control functions are maintained, but the bandwidth available for transferring the new data block is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The method extracts only the essential, non-common data areas from the new data block for external transfer, separating them from the common data areas that can be obtained through internal copying. This extraction minimizes the amount of data that needs to compete for bandwidth with high-priority communication channels.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of transferring common data areas through the limited-bandwidth communication line, the system copies these data areas from existing memory areas within the automation device. This copying operation occurs internally and does not consume communication bandwidth, thus preserving bandwidth for high-priority process control services.
3Adaptability or versatility
If configuration changes are made during commissioning, then the automation functions can be adapted, but the load time for the updated data block increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback by comparing the new configuration data block with existing data blocks already in the automation device. This feedback mechanism identifies common data areas that do not need to be retransferred, enabling the system to adapt to configuration changes while minimizing the time required to load updated data.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention proposes a method and a control apparatus for storing a first data block containing data for controlling a technical process in a first memory area of an automation apparatus. In this case, a second data block containing data for controlling the technical process is stored in a second memory area of the automation apparatus. The first data block and the second data block are subdivided into a plurality of data areas. At least one data area which is part of the first data block is supplied to the automation apparatus and stored in the first memory area. Furthermore, at least one data area which is both part of the first data block and art of the second data block is copied from the second memory area into the first memory area. A corresponding automation apparatus is also proposed.