Integrated Control Execution for Overlapping Program Formats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems struggle with managing multiple control devices that execute programs in different execution formats, leading to potential unexpected behavior of control targets due to overlapping control times.
Innovation Solution
A single control device is designed to execute multiple programs in different execution formats, with a permitter mechanism that allows exclusive execution of one program at a time to prevent overlapping control times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control devices are used to execute programs in different execution formats, then the control device can handle diverse control requirements, but the system complexity increases and management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control devices into a single integrated control device that can execute both first execution format programs (entire program per control cycle) and second execution format programs (parts of program sequentially executed). This consolidation eliminates the need for users to manage multiple separate control devices while maintaining support for diverse control formats, thereby reducing system management complexity without sacrificing adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple execution formats through a unified architecture. The single control device can execute first execution format programs that run the entire program per control cycle and second execution format programs that sequentially execute parts of the program, making it a multi-functional device that replaces multiple specialized control devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control devices control the same control target simultaneously, then comprehensive control coverage is achieved, but unexpected behavior occurs due to overlapping control times
Solution Approach 1:
The control device determines in advance which program has priority when execution times overlap. The determination unit identifies overlap between first execution format program execution and second execution format program execution, and the selection unit pre-determines which program executes based on priority settings before the overlap occurs, preventing unpredictable behavior
Solution Approach 2:
The control device implements a feedback mechanism where the determination unit continuously monitors program execution states and detects overlaps in real-time. When overlap is detected, the system adjusts execution by selecting the priority program, ensuring reliable and predictable control target behavior through continuous monitoring and adaptive control
3Device complexity
If a single control device executes multiple programs in different execution formats, then system integration is improved, but execution time management becomes complex due to potential overlaps
Solution Approach 1:
The determination unit performs preliminary determination of program execution priority before actual execution occurs. By identifying potential time overlaps in advance and pre-determining which program has priority, the system avoids execution conflicts and ensures efficient program execution without compromising productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The control device dynamically adjusts program execution based on real-time conditions. The selection unit changes which program executes depending on the detected overlap conditions and priority settings, allowing flexible and dynamic execution management that optimizes productivity while handling multiple execution formats
Data Source
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AI summary
A control device includes a program in a first execution format in which an overall program is executed per execution and a program in a second execution format in which parts of the program are sequentially executed. The device includes a processor that calculates, based on execution of the program in the second execution format, a second command value for controlling a control target in accordance with an intermediate code generated by an interpreter and calculates the second command value for controlling the same control target in response to the execution of the program in the first execution format, and a permitter that permits, in response to overlap between the execution times of the two programs, execution of one of the two programs accessing a second processor earlier than the other.