Controller Communication Cycle Setting Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing controllers struggle to set appropriate communication cycles due to limitations in communication protocols and device specifications, leading to ineffective communication with control target devices.
Innovation Solution
A setting assistance device that determines a communication cycle for controllers based on user-input features, using a cycle determination mechanism that calculates execution times and overheads to set optimal communication cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the communication cycle is set to be shorter, then the communication responsiveness is improved, but the controller cannot communicate normally due to limitations on communication protocols and device specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the communication cycle parameter based on the controller's internal processing time. The system calculates the required communication cycle by adding the internal processing time to a predetermined value, ensuring the communication cycle is optimized for both speed and reliability. This resolves the contradiction by dynamically changing the communication cycle parameter rather than using fixed values.
2Productivity
If the communication cycle is set based on communication overhead of control target devices, then the communication efficiency is improved, but the controller cannot set an appropriate communication cycle for its internal processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the controller measure its own internal processing time and use this information to determine the communication cycle. The system continuously monitors the internal processing time and adjusts the communication cycle accordingly, creating a feedback loop that ensures the communication cycle is always appropriate for the current internal processing requirements. This resolves the contradiction by making the communication cycle setting adaptive to internal processing conditions.
3Ease of operation
If the controller determines communication cycle without considering internal processing, then the setting is simple, but the determined communication cycle is not appropriate for internal processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the controller to automatically determine its own communication cycle based on its internal processing time without requiring external configuration or complex user input. The controller measures its internal processing time and calculates the appropriate communication cycle autonomously, making the system both simple to operate and precise in its communication cycle setting. This resolves the contradiction by automating the determination process while maintaining simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A setting assistance device assists in setting a controller to communicate with a control target device in constant cycles. The setting assistance device includes a receiver that receives, from a user, an indication of a feature of the controller, a cycle determiner that determines a communication cycle of the controller based on the indication received by the receiver, and a setter a that sets, for the controller, the communication cycle determined by the cycle determiner.