Industrial Controller Firmware Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional industrial control systems face complexity in data handling and management due to the need for direct manipulation of memory locations and reliance on file system services, which increases programming complexity and requires adaptation to specific hardware platforms.
Innovation Solution
An industrial control system and method that allow data transfer between storage units without using file system services, utilizing system-specific firmware to manage data transfer independently of user-specific industrial control programs, enabling direct writing to predefined storage locations and simplifying data handling through predefined firmware tasks and configuration tables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If file system services are used for data handling in industrial controllers, then data management flexibility is improved, but programming complexity and software complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a file system access layer as an intermediary between the user-specific industrial control program and the file system services. This access layer provides simplified, standardized commands for file operations, shielding the user program from the underlying complexity of file system services while maintaining data management flexibility. The access layer translates high-level file operations into system-specific commands, reducing programming complexity.
2Productivity
If direct memory location manipulation is used for data transfer, then data transfer efficiency is improved, but programming complexity and hardware platform dependency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a command interpreter that copies and executes pre-defined system commands for data transfer operations. Instead of requiring users to program complex memory manipulation sequences, the system provides ready-made commands that handle data transfer between storage units. These commands are interpreted and executed by the command interpreter, maintaining efficiency while simplifying programming and reducing hardware platform dependency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If file system services are accessed through access layers, then hardware platform independence is improved, but software complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal command interpreter that can execute the same set of system commands across different hardware platforms. The access layer provides platform-independent interfaces, and the command interpreter translates these universal commands into platform-specific operations. This allows the same user program to run on different hardware platforms without modification, achieving hardware platform independence while managing software complexity through standardized command structures.
4Ease of operation
If system-specific firmware handles data transfer autonomously, then programming simplicity is improved, but control over data transfer processes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the command interpreter can execute data transfer commands autonomously when triggered by specific events or conditions, but also allows user programs to initiate and control data transfer operations through standardized commands. The system adapts its level of automation based on the operational context, providing simplicity for routine operations while maintaining user control when needed through the command interface.
Data Source
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AI summary
An industrial control system comprising at least one industrial controller (1) and method of transferring data in an industrial controller (1) include use system-specific firmware (SSF) of the industrial controller (1) to execute at least one system task of a predefined set of system tasks independently from a user-specific industrial control program (PRG). The at least one system task is adapted to use in the operating phase while execution of the instructions defined in the user-specific industrial control program (PRG) the at least one file system service to move data in a first dedicated storage location of the first data storage unit (5) to a second data storage unit (6) formatted for use with a file system, or use the at least one file system service to move data from the second data storage unit (6) to a second dedicated storage location of the first data storage unit (5).