Automation Feature Updates for Memory-Limited Industrial Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automation devices often lack necessary features or have incorrect feature versions, leading to delays and production breaks due to limited memory size, which existing solutions fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows for remote updating of features in automation devices using a user apparatus connected to cloud storage, enabling the retrieval and installation of new features without increasing memory size, by selecting and downloading only required features and managing memory space effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If automation devices are equipped with small memory size to minimize manufacturing costs, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the device cannot store all possible features and feature versions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments features into two categories: core features stored in the automation device's limited memory, and additional features stored externally on a data storage medium. This segmentation allows the device to maintain small memory size while providing access to a larger feature set through external storage and selective loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds an external dimension to feature storage by introducing a data storage medium (such as a removable drive or network storage) that exists outside the automation device's internal memory. This dimensional extension allows the system to access features beyond the physical constraints of the device's built-in storage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all possible features are installed at the factory, then feature availability is improved, but memory size requirements increase and manufacturing costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments features into two categories: core features stored in the automation device's limited memory, and additional features stored externally on a data storage medium. This segmentation allows the device to maintain small memory size while providing access to a larger feature set through external storage and selective loading.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of loading all possible features into the device's memory at the factory, the patent loads only the essential features needed for basic operation. Additional features are made available through external storage and can be loaded selectively when needed, avoiding the waste of precious memory space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a feature is missing or has wrong version at the site, then adaptability is reduced, but production delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares additional features in advance on an external data storage medium, so they are readily available for immediate loading if needed. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need to transport the entire device to a factory for feature updates, as required features can be quickly loaded on-site from the external storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a data storage medium as an intermediary between the factory and the automation device. This intermediary carries additional features and can be connected to the device at the site, enabling rapid feature updates without requiring physical transport of the device itself.
4Adaptability or versatility
If device is transported to factory for feature updates, then feature availability is improved, but time loss and network resource usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a data storage medium as an intermediary between the factory and the automation device. This intermediary carries additional features and can be connected to the device at the site, enabling rapid feature updates without requiring physical transport of the device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the automation device to perform feature updates autonomously at the site by connecting to an external data storage medium. The device can independently load required features without needing to be transported to a factory or require complex remote update infrastructure, thus minimizing production downtime.
Data Source
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AI summary
A user apparatus retrieves a list of current features in an industrial automation device in an industrial site, and a list of available features for the industrial automation device, and displays the lists to a user of the user apparatus. If a user input indicating that the industrial automation device is to be updated with one or more features selected amongst the available features, the one or more features are downloaded from a remote data storage to the user apparatus and therefrom to the industrial automation device to update the industrial automation device.