Integrated Controller for Mixed-Format Program Execution Priority
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems face challenges in managing multiple control devices executing programs in different formats, leading to potential simultaneous control of a target by multiple devices, resulting in unexpected behavior and increased user burden in system building and safety.
Innovation Solution
A control device capable of executing multiple programs in different formats, with a first processor handling overall program execution and a second processor handling sequential execution, utilizing an interpreter to generate intermediate codes, and a permitter ensuring exclusive execution to prevent simultaneous control by different programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control devices are used to execute programs in different formats, then the control device can handle diverse control requirements, but the user burden increases and simultaneous control of the same target may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control device functions into a single integrated controller that can execute both Ladder Diagram (LD) programs and Instruction List (IL) programs simultaneously. This merging eliminates the need for users to manage multiple separate control devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining the ability to handle diverse control requirements through different program formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed with universal capability to execute multiple types of control programs (LD and IL formats) within a single device. This multi-functionality allows the controller to adapt to different control requirements without requiring additional specialized devices, thereby reducing user burden while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple programs execute simultaneously on the same control target, then control flexibility increases, but unexpected behavior occurs due to conflicting control commands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a permission management mechanism that acts as an intermediary between multiple programs and the control target. This mediator (permission unit) grants exclusive execution rights to one program at a time based on priority settings, allowing multiple programs to coexist in the system while preventing conflicting simultaneous control commands, thus maintaining both flexibility and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs preliminary determination of execution permissions before allowing program execution. By pre-establishing priority relationships and granting permissions in advance, the system prevents conflicting control commands from being issued simultaneously, ensuring reliable and safe control while maintaining the ability to execute multiple programs.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device includes a program in a first execution format in which an overall program is executed per execution and a program in a second execution format in which parts of the program are sequentially executed. The device includes a processor that calculates, based on execution of the program in the second execution format, a second command value for controlling a control target in accordance with an intermediate code generated by an interpreter and calculates the second command value for controlling the same control target in response to the execution of the program in the first execution format, and a permitter that permits, in response to overlap between the execution times of the two programs, execution of one of the two programs accessing a second processor earlier than the other.