Configuration File Filtering for Loss-Free Device Data Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
In factory automation system design, there is a loss of device information when interchanging XML files between engineering apparatuses from different manufacturers, as only devices compatible with each apparatus can be processed, leading to incomplete data transmission and reception across different design phases.
Innovation Solution
A design support system that includes a server capable of communicating with multiple engineering apparatuses, using configuration information files, filter files, and extraction units to ensure no loss of information during data transmission and reception, by reflecting and outputting only relevant device information based on extraction conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If XML files are interchanged between engineering apparatuses from different manufacturers, then device information can be transmitted between systems, but device information is lost because only compatible devices can be processed
Solution Approach 1:
The device information is segmented into multiple categories: device identification information, device configuration information, and device capability information. This segmentation allows the system to selectively process and transmit only the compatible portions of device information between engineering apparatuses, preventing information loss while maintaining compatibility constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
A standardized intermediate data format is introduced as a mediator between different engineering apparatuses. This intermediate format acts as a universal language that can represent device information from various manufacturers in a standardized way, enabling loss-free transmission while the receiving apparatus filters for compatibility.
2Reliability
If engineering apparatuses process only compatible devices, then system stability is maintained, but device information is frequently lost during interchange
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary compatibility verification and device information validation before the actual data interchange process. By pre-identifying compatible devices and their supported information formats, the system ensures that only valid, compatible device information is transmitted, maintaining system stability while preventing information loss through proactive filtering.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the receiving engineering apparatus communicates back to the transmitting apparatus about which device information was successfully processed and which was lost due to incompatibility. This feedback loop allows for iterative refinement of the transmitted data, ensuring complete and accurate information transfer within compatibility constraints.
3Adaptability or versatility
If upstream engineering apparatus sets a wide range of devices, then device coverage is improved, but downstream apparatuses cannot process all devices due to functional limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds a new dimension to device information representation by introducing hierarchical device descriptors that separate universal device attributes from apparatus-specific capabilities. This dimensional separation allows upstream apparatuses to define comprehensive device specifications while downstream apparatuses can selectively process only the dimensions they support, eliminating information loss due to functional limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the parameter representation of device information based on the capabilities of the target engineering apparatus. When transmitting device information from upstream to downstream apparatuses, the system automatically adapts the parameter set to match the receiving apparatus's functional limitations, ensuring all device information is transmitted in a processable format without loss of essential data.
Data Source
AI summary
A server includes a configuration information master file in which a configuration information file output from each of a plurality of engineering apparatuses is reflected, a filter file including an extraction condition for extracting device information which is desired, and an extraction unit that extracts the device information using the filter file from the configuration information file output from each of the engineering apparatuses or the configuration information master file. The server further includes a reflection unit that reflects, in the configuration information master file, the device information extracted by the extraction unit using the filter file from the configuration information file output from each of the engineering apparatuses; and an output unit that outputs, to the engineering apparatuses, the device information extracted by the extraction unit using the filter file from the configuration information master file.