Unified Control Scheduling for Multi-Program Processor Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing factory automation (FA) systems require multiple dedicated control devices for efficient processing, leading to redundancy and inefficiencies in synchronous processing between processors and execution of various programs.
Innovation Solution
A control device with one or more processors, featuring a storage unit for multiple programs, a program execution part, a parsing part, a command calculation part, a scheduler for resource allocation based on priority, and a priority changing mechanism to dynamically adjust processing loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple dedicated control devices are used for different control functions, then processing efficiency is improved, but device complexity and redundancy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions (ladder program execution, CNC control, robot control) into a single control device with one processor. Different programs are stored in storage units and executed by the same processor through dynamic priority adjustment, eliminating the need for multiple separate control devices and reducing system redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is designed as a universal controller capable of executing multiple types of programs (ladder programs, CNC programs, robot programs) with different execution cycles. The processor can adaptively switch between different control functions by adjusting task priorities, making a single device perform roles that previously required multiple dedicated devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple processors are arranged dispersively for different control functions, then functional versatility is improved, but synchronous processing becomes redundant and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple processor functions into a single processor that handles all control tasks. By using a unified processor with dynamic priority scheduling, the system achieves synchronous processing of different control functions without the complexity of coordinating multiple separate processors.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor dynamically adjusts the priority of different control tasks based on real-time requirements. The priority changing part modifies task priorities adaptively, allowing the single processor to efficiently handle multiple control functions with different timing requirements without needing multiple dedicated processors.
3Device complexity
If a single control device executes multiple programs with different execution cycles, then device integration is improved, but processing resource efficiency becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic priority adjustment where the processor allocates processing resources based on the execution cycle requirements of different programs. Tasks with shorter cycles (e.g., PLC control) receive higher priority during critical periods, while tasks with longer cycles (e.g., robot control) are scheduled accordingly, ensuring efficient resource utilization despite diverse timing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the execution parameters (priority levels, execution cycles) of different programs dynamically. The priority changing part adjusts task priorities based on the specific execution cycle requirements of each program type, allowing the single processor to efficiently manage multiple programs with different timing characteristics.
4Stability of the object's composition
If processing priority is statically assigned to different tasks, then system stability is improved, but adaptability to varying load conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic priority adjustment where task priorities are not fixed but change based on real-time system conditions. The priority changing part continuously monitors execution status and adjusts priorities adaptively, maintaining system stability through controlled changes rather than rigid static assignment, allowing the system to respond to varying load conditions while preserving operational stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the execution status of different programs to dynamically adjust priorities. The priority changing part receives information about task execution progress and buffer states, then modifies task priorities accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains stability while adapting to changing conditions.
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5B
AI summary
A configuration of a control device capable of efficiently operating multiple types of programs in different execution formats on a single control device is provided. At least a first task that has a first priority including processing execution performed by a program execution part and a command calculation part, a second task that has a second priority, lower than the first priority, including processing execution performed by a parsing part, and a third task that has a third priority including execution of a processing content different from the first task and the second task are set in a scheduler. The control device further includes a priority changing part monitoring a processing state of the parsing part, and when the processing state of the parsing part meets a predetermined condition, changing the second priority set to the second task corresponding to the condition.