Controller Configuration via Network Variable Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing configurable controllers require file transfer mechanisms for configuration, which is inefficient and complex, necessitating a method to configure them using only network variable writes without the need for file transfer capability.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing network configuration inputs (NCIs) to relate to underlying configuration structures, with replacement specifications that allow changes in public variables to modify configuration files, enabling configuration without file transfer by using a processing unit and memory to write public variable values based on replacement specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If file transfer mechanism is used for controller configuration, then configuration data can be transferred to the controller, but the configuration process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the file transfer step from the configuration process. Instead of transferring configuration files to the controller, the configuration data structures are kept in the host system and only network variable values are transferred. This eliminates the need for file transfer capability on the controller while maintaining reliable configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the configuration process into two parts: configuration data structure definition (remaining in host) and configuration data transfer (only network variables). This segmentation allows the controller to be configured without receiving complete configuration files, reducing transfer time and complexity.
2Reliability
If file transfer capability is required for configuration, then complete configuration data can be transferred, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the file transfer capability requirement from the controller. The controller only needs network variable read/write capability, while the host system retains configuration data structure management. This extraction simplifies the controller while maintaining complete configuration capability through network variable references.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces network variables as intermediaries between the host configuration data structures and the controller. Instead of transferring configuration files directly to the controller, the host writes network variable values that reference configuration data structures in the host, and the controller reads these network variables to obtain configuration information.
3Reliability
If configuration files are transferred to the controller, then all configuration data is available, but the transfer process is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential configuration parameters (network variable values) from the complete configuration data structures. Instead of transferring entire configuration files, only the specific variable values needed by the controller are transferred through network variables, dramatically improving transfer efficiency while maintaining data availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary configuration data structure setup in the host system before controller configuration. The configuration data structures are pre-defined in the host with proper data types, units, and relationships. This preliminary action allows the controller to be configured quickly by simply reading network variable values that reference these pre-established structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for configuring a controller without a file transfer. Programmable controllers may typically use configuration data structures that are transferred to the controller via a file transfer mechanism. The present controller does not necessarily need a tool with file transfer capability, but only a capability to read and write network variables. Configuration data structures may incorporate replacement specifications, and replacement constants representing replacement data to be selected. Changes of value in public variables may be identified as being replacement variables by virtue of their presence in the replacement specifications. When such changes of values are detected, instructions in the replacement specifications may detail how to modify the configuration file content associated with those public variables.