Controller Locking and Parameter Restore for Parallel Job Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional equipment management systems face issues when multiple processes targeting the same device are executed in parallel, as changes to device parameters can cause unexpected behavior in other processes.
Innovation Solution
A control management device that includes a job input unit, a controller exclusive determination unit, a parameter value storage, an instruction execution unit, a job completion determination unit, and a parameter value restoration unit, which ensures exclusive execution of processes by locking and unlocking controllers to prevent interference between parallel jobs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple series of processes are executed in parallel on the same device, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to parameter conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control management device as an intermediary between multiple jobs and the target device. This mediator manages parameter access by locking the device during exclusive processes, preventing parameter conflicts while allowing parallel job execution. The control management device coordinates read/write operations to ensure data consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary actions by storing original parameter values before executing write operations and restoring them after job completion. This preliminary preservation of state information allows the system to maintain reliability by ensuring parameters can be restored to their initial state, preventing conflicts between parallel processes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If parameter values are changed during parallel processes, then adaptability is improved, but stability deteriorates due to unexpected device behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The control management device acts as an intermediary that controls parameter access. It allows parameter changes when needed (improving adaptability) while managing the timing and scope of these changes through locking mechanisms, thereby maintaining system stability by preventing conflicting modifications from occurring simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by backing up original parameter values before modification and preparing restoration sequences. This ensures that parameter changes can be safely implemented when required while maintaining the ability to restore stability if conflicts arise, thus balancing adaptability and stability.
3Reliability
If controller locking is implemented for exclusive processes, then reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial locking by locking the controller only during specific exclusive processes that require it, rather than locking it continuously. This selective approach ensures reliability for critical operations while minimizing locking duration, thereby reducing waiting time and maintaining higher overall productivity for non-critical parallel operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing original parameter values and preparing restoration sequences before releasing locks. This allows for faster lock release and reduces the actual locking duration, improving productivity while maintaining the reliability guarantees provided by the locking mechanism during critical operations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a control management device including a job input unit into which a job is input, a controller exclusive determination unit configured to determine whether or not the controller which is a target of an instruction included in the job is locked due to an ongoing exclusive process by another job, a parameter value storage configured to, when an instruction to be executed next is writing of an exclusive process, store a value of writing target in the controller as an original data value and lock the controller, an instruction execution unit configured to notify the controller of the instruction to be executed next in the job, a job completion determination unit configured to determine whether or not all instructions in the job have been completed, and a parameter value restoration unit configured to restore the original data value to the controller.