Configurable Mode Model for Industrial Controller Arbitration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial automation systems face challenges in efficiently arbitrating control between program and operator requests due to fixed arbitration rules that do not conform to user or industry standards, requiring end users to adapt or generate custom code.

Innovation Solution

An industrial controller with a client interface, program execution, mode model configuration, and arbitration components that allow users to customize mode model data for arbitration between program and operator control, enabling user-defined ownership states and transition commands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed arbitration rules are used in industrial controllers, then processor efficiency is maintained, but adaptability to user and industry standards deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to user and industry standardsVSAvoidcomplexity of arbitration system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic mode model configuration system that allows arbitration rules to be modified at runtime. The mode model data structure enables flexible transition between operational modes (program mode, operator mode, interrupt mode) based on configurable parameters rather than fixed hard-coded rules. This dynamic configuration capability resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability to user and industry standards while maintaining processor efficiency through structured data-driven arbitration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of the arbitration system by introducing configurable mode model data that defines transition conditions and arbitration behavior. Instead of fixed arbitration logic, the system uses parameterized mode definitions that can be adjusted to match different user requirements and industry standards. This parameter change approach enables the controller to adapt its arbitration behavior without requiring complex custom code generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If custom code is generated for arbitration, then adaptability to specific standards is improved, but device complexity and implementation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization of arbitration rulesVSAvoidease of implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the industrial controller to configure its own arbitration behavior through self-service mechanisms. The mode model configuration component allows the controller to automatically adjust its arbitration rules based on predefined mode model data, eliminating the need for external custom code generation. This self-service capability provides customization while maintaining ease of implementation through automated configuration rather than manual programming.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal mode model configuration system that can handle multiple arbitration scenarios through a single unified framework. The mode model data structure serves multiple functions: defining operational modes, specifying transition conditions, and configuring arbitration priority. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate custom code for different arbitration requirements, improving ease of implementation while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If flexible mode model configuration is implemented, then user-defined ownership states are enabled, but processor overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser-defined ownership statesVSAvoidprocessor efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses lightweight mode model data structures that can be quickly configured and discarded or updated as needed. The configuration data is stored in an efficient format that minimizes processor memory usage and access time. This approach enables user-defined ownership states without significant processor overhead by using simple, fast-to-process data representations rather than complex persistent configuration systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS10545470B2Configurable mode model

Publication Date: 2020.01.28 ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECH INC

AI summary

An industrial control device allows end users to customize the mode model that defines rules for arbitrating between program and operator control. The industrial control device includes configuration tools that allow the user to define which set of states or modes are to be used for arbitrating between program control and operator control in accordance with the usages and standards of a given industrial facility or enterprise. The configuration tools also allow the commands for transitioning between the selected ownership states to be modified to conform to a desired ownership mode model. Using the mode model configuration tools, users can adapt the ownership mode model to conform to their own customer-specific or industry-specific standards of operator/program arbitration. In some scenarios, the customized mode model can be applied to defined multilevel equipment groupings such that control ownership is cascaded to all devices of a defined ownership chain.