Automation System Program Update via Parallel Processing Instances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automation systems face downtime and loss of redundancy during system software updates, which is disruptive and contradicts customer expectations of reliability.
Innovation Solution
A method for updating system programs in automation systems involves synchronizing processing instances across subsystems, loading updated system programs onto secondary processing instances, and transferring state information to ensure seamless redundancy during the update process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If system software update is performed in automation system, then system functionality is improved, but system downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automation system is divided into multiple processing instances (primary and secondary) that can operate independently. The update process is segmented by loading new software onto the secondary processing instance first, then switching over, allowing continuous operation during updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary processinginstance pre-loads and pre-tests the updated system software before switching over. This preliminary action ensures the new software is ready and functional before taking over control, minimizing downtime.
2Adaptability or versatility
If system software update is performed in automation system, then system functionality is improved, but redundancy is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains separate primary and secondary processing instances with independent software instances. During update, the secondary instance runs the new software while the primary continues running the old software, preserving redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary processinginstance pre-loads and pre-tests the updated system software before switching over. This preliminary action ensures the new software is ready and functional before taking over control, minimizing downtime.
3Reliability
If redundant processing instances are maintained, then system reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary processinginstance is a copy of the primary processinginstance with identical hardware and software architecture. This copying approach maintains reliability through redundancy while simplifying the update process by using identical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary processinginstance pre-loads and pre-tests the updated system software before switching over. This preliminary action ensures the new software is ready and functional before taking over control, minimizing downtime.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for updating a system program in an automation system, comprising the steps of: a) executing a first control program installed on a first system program on a first processing instance in a first subsystem of the automation system and executing a second control program installed on a second system program on a first processing instance in a second subsystem of the automation system, b) providing a second processing instance in each of the first and second subsystems, loading an updated version of the first and second system programs onto the respective second processing instances, and starting the respective second processing instances in parallel to step a), wherein a third control program is installed on the updated version of the first system program and a fourth control program is installed on the updated version of the second system program,and c) updating the third control program in dependence on a memory image of all state information of the first control program and updating the fourth control program in dependence on a memory image of all state information of the second control program.