Control Record Structure for Time-Synchronized Factory Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control apparatuses face challenges in achieving accurate time synchronization and data analysis due to limitations in collecting and storing large amounts of data, particularly in Factory Automation (FA) systems, where strict time synchronization is required for ex-post analysis but is not adequately supported by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus is designed with a time manager, counter, and record generator to collect and store observation values with associated time and counter values, enabling accurate data analysis without the need for complex time synchronization processes, even on hardware with limited resources. This apparatus includes features like counters for execution and communication timing, a synchronization manager, and a chronological database for storing records in chronological order.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex time synchronization processing is performed to achieve accurate time synchronization, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and hardware resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the time synchronization function from complex processing algorithms and implements it through a dedicated hardware counter that automatically increments at fixed intervals. This counter is stored directly in the data structure, separating the timing mechanism from complex software synchronization processing, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a counter value as an intermediary element between the time manager and the data storage system. Instead of directly managing complex time synchronization, the counter serves as a simple mediator that provides sequential timing information, reducing the complexity of time management while ensuring accurate temporal ordering of collected data.
2Measurement precision
If complex time synchronization processing is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the timing function from energy-consuming software-based time synchronization processing and replaces it with a simple hardware counter that increments automatically. This counter is stored in the data structure, eliminating the need for complex time management algorithms and reducing energy consumption while maintaining time accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The counter operates autonomously, incrementing itself at fixed intervals without requiring complex time synchronization processing. This self-service mechanism reduces the energy burden on the main processor, allowing the system to maintain accurate timing information with minimal energy consumption.
3Quantity of substance
If large amounts of data are collected and stored, then quantity of substance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data structure into distinct, well-defined fields: observation value, time information, and counter value. This segmentation allows for systematic organization and management of large amounts of collected data, reducing data management complexity while enabling efficient storage and retrieval of extensive datasets.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized data structure with fixed fields serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores observation values, provides temporal information through time and counter fields, and enables chronological ordering. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate management systems, thereby reducing device complexity while supporting large-scale data collection.
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus that controls a control target is provided. The control apparatus includes: a time manager configured to manage time; a counter configured to synchronize with at least one device; a control computation unit configured to execute control computation according to timing indicated by the counter; and a record generator configured to generate a record that includes an observation value that is available to the control computation unit and is related to the control target, time that is indicated by the time manager and is associated with the observation value, and a counter value that is indicated by the counter and is associated with the observation value.