Automation Control System Point Configuration via Mapping Templates
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Solution Overview
Problem
In industrial automation control systems, manual alignment and verification of automation system point configurations with control strategy changes are time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially when alterations are made to the control strategy in automation controllers.
Innovation Solution
A software-based solution automates the configuration process by translating control strategy program elements and attributes into a common representation, using mapping template files to align and validate automation system points, reducing the need for manual intervention and speeding up the identification and verification of changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment and verification of automation system point configurations with control strategy changes is performed, then configuration accuracy is maintained, but time consumption and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of aligning and verifying point configurations with an automated software system that parses controller program files and automatically generates aligned point configurations, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining configuration accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the point configuration automatically aligns itself with control strategy changes by parsing the controller program files and generating updated configurations without requiring external manual verification or adjustment
2Stability of the object's composition
If manual configuration alignment is performed after control strategy alterations, then configuration consistency is achieved, but productivity decreases due to labor-intensive processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes manual engineering processes with an automated software system that parses controller program files and automatically generates consistent point configurations, maintaining configuration consistency while dramatically improving engineering productivity by eliminating repetitive manual tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automated configuration generation by parsing controller program files before manual intervention is needed, preparing aligned point configurations in advance to maintain consistency while freeing up engineering resources for higher-value tasks
3Measurement precision
If detailed manual verification of point configurations is performed, then configuration accuracy is ensured, but the complexity of the process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual verification processes with an automated software system that parses controller program files and systematically verifies point configuration accuracy, maintaining high verification standards while simplifying the overall process by eliminating manual inspection steps
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (300) of configuring an automation control system (200) using point configuration software (162). At least an extract from a control program file having program elements and program element attributes for executing in an automatic controller of the automation control system is translated (302) into a common representation (120) including common program element types and common attributes. Mapping template files (140) are applied (303) including mapping rules and mapping parameters defining how the program elements and program element attributes are mapped into at least one automation system point with point attributes, and values for each point attribute. Common program element types and/or common attributes are matched (304) with the mapping template files according to the mapping rules to generate at least one matching program element. The matching program element is converted (305) into an automation system point configuration (system point configuration) which is stored (306) in persistent storage of or accessible by the automation control system.