Behavior-Based Automation Control for Low-Resource Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automation technologies require complex and resource-intensive programming, leading to high error susceptibility and inflexible operation, especially in resource-constrained environments.
Innovation Solution
A method for configuring programmable automation devices using a user-defined behavior description to generate a control program and configuration, which is translated into a form suitable for execution by the device, allowing for error-free and efficient operation with reduced resource requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional programming methods (high-level languages, PLCs with IDEs, script languages) are used for automation devices, then the device can be programmed with complex functionalities, but the resource requirements become enormously high and error susceptibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex compilation and interpretation processes from the resource-constrained automation device and relocates them to an external programming environment. Only the essential control logic is transferred to the device in a simplified form, eliminating the need for runtime compilation/interpretation resources on the device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The control program is fully compiled and prepared in advance in a resource-rich programming environment, allowing for thorough error checking and optimization before deployment. This preliminary processing eliminates the need for complex runtime environments on the automation device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional programming methods are used, then complex functionalities can be implemented, but error tracing becomes difficult and systems require frequent restarts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a simplified intermediate representation for the control program that serves as a mediator between the user's programming intent and the device's execution capabilities. This intermediate form is easier to validate and trace for errors while maintaining the necessary functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Error checking and validation are performed preliminarily during the programming phase in the external environment, where resources allow for comprehensive testing. This prevents errors from reaching the runtime environment on the automation device, improving reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If runtime compilation or interpretation is performed on the automation device, then programming flexibility is maintained, but resource consumption increases and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The computationally intensive compilation and interpretation functions are extracted from the automation device and performed externally. The device only executes pre-compiled control code, dramatically reducing its energy consumption while maintaining programming flexibility through the external development environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of runtime compilation/interpretation on the device with a pre-processing approach using external tools. This substitution eliminates the need for complex runtime environments and reduces the device's computational and energy requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If powerful microcontrollers are used to support compilation and IDEs, then programming capabilities are enhanced, but the device complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts all requirements for powerful microcontrollers, IDEs, and compilation environments from the automation device and relocates them to external programming tools. This allows the use of simple, resource-constrained microcontrollers in the actual device while maintaining full programming capabilities externally.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into two parts: a powerful external programming environment handling all compilation and interpretation tasks, and a simple automation device handling only execution. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the device requiring minimal resources.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are methods, devices/apparatus and computer programs for configuring a programmable automation device. The method includes receiving a user-defined behavior description for defining a runtime behavior of the automation device and automatically generating a control program and a configuration for the automation device based on the behavior description. The control program and configuration may then be used for resource-saving operation of automation devices.