Database Type Mapping for Control Program Development

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Solution Overview

Problem

The process of manually matching columns in a database table with members in a structure is time-consuming, necessitating a more efficient method for correspondence establishment.

Innovation Solution

A control system with acquisition, setting, and determination means to automatically determine the data type of each member in correspondence with the column, facilitating the generation of a user program for database access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual correspondence is performed between database columns and structure members, then data type matching accuracy can be ensured, but the time required for completion increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata type matching accuracyVSAvoidtime for correspondence completion

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic data type determination where the control apparatus autonomously matches column data types with structure member data types without requiring manual user intervention. The determination means automatically compares and aligns data types, enabling the system to serve itself in the correspondence establishment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of user-driven correspondence is replaced with an automated information processing system. The control apparatus uses algorithmic comparison and automatic determination to substitute the manual matching process, maintaining accuracy while eliminating time consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automatic data type determination is implemented, then the correspondence process is accelerated, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrespondence establishment speedVSAvoidcontrol apparatus complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control apparatus integrates multiple functions including acquisition means for obtaining data type information, setting means for defining structure members, and determination means for automatic matching. This multi-functional integration allows a single system to handle the entire correspondence process, improving productivity while managing complexity through consolidation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The determination means acts as an intermediary component that bridges the acquisition means and setting means. It automatically processes data type information and generates correspondence relationships, serving as a mediator that simplifies the overall system architecture while enabling automatic operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12372937B2Control system, information processing apparatus, and information processing program

Publication Date: 2025.07.29 OMRON CORP

AI summary

A control system for controlling a control target includes a database that holds one or more tables, a control apparatus that accesses the database, and an information processing apparatus that supports development of a user program executed in the control apparatus. The information processing apparatus acquires a column name and a data type of each column of a table, the table being selected from among the one or more tables, determines a data type of each member in correspondence with the acquired data type of each column, the data type being available in the user program, and displays a screen including the column name and the data type of each column, and the data type of each member brought into correspondence with the data type of each column.