Controller I/O Setting via Master Configuration Across Vendors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods face challenges in efficiently performing engineering related to input/output setting of data in automation systems, particularly in automating the input/output setting across multiple control systems from different vendors.

Innovation Solution

A controller and an associated setting method that include a transmission/reception unit to request and receive input/output information from an information processing apparatus, and a setting unit to perform the input/output setting based on the received information, thereby automating the input/output setting process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual input/output setting is performed on multiple control systems from different vendors, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but engineering time and manual intervention increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengineering efficiencyVSAvoidinput/output setting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a master I/O configuration that can be copied and automatically applied to multiple control systems. The setting information is stored in a database and reused across different vendors' control systems, eliminating the need to manually configure each system individually while maintaining consistency across the automation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs I/O setting in advance by creating a master configuration that defines all input/output parameters. This preliminary setting is then automatically distributed to multiple control systems before they are deployed, significantly reducing on-site configuration time and manual intervention requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If automated input/output setting is implemented across multiple vendors' control systems, then engineering efficiency improves, but compatibility and adaptability challenges arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation efficiencyVSAvoidmulti-vendor compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops a universal I/O setting standard that can be applied across control systems from different vendors. The master configuration uses vendor-neutral parameters and data structures that can be interpreted by various control system manufacturers, enabling automated configuration while maintaining multi-vendor compatibility and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If manual input/output setting is performed, then flexibility in handling vendor-specific configurations is maintained, but human error increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetting accuracyVSAvoidmanual configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables control systems to automatically configure their own I/O parameters by receiving the master configuration and self- populating their settings. This self-service approach eliminates manual configuration errors while maintaining the ability to handle vendor-specific requirements through the standardized interface, significantly improving setting accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250110904A1Controller, setting method, computer-readable recording medium, and information processing apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.04.03 YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

A controller transmits a request for input/output setting of data to a management server, receives input/output information that defines the input/output setting and that is associated with the controller that performs control of a system from the management server, and performs the input/output setting of the own instrument based on the received input/output information.