Dual-Board Work Machine Controller Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work machine information processors face challenges in reliable activation, especially in environments with inadequate communication infrastructure, and are prone to unstable operation due to defects in updated programs, leading to issues with data retrieval and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A dual-board information processor system for work machines, comprising a main controller running on a built-in work machine OS and a PC controller running on a personal computer OS, with activation mechanisms and trigger identification processes to ensure reliable activation and data management, including an external-activation-signal sender and internal-activation-signal sender to handle various triggers and maintain system stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a PC board with WOL function is used to enable remote activation, then the controller can be remotely restarted through wireless LAN, but the PC board may fail to activate properly due to bugs in updated programs destabilizing the activation operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate boards: a main controller board with a work machine OS and a PC board with a PC OS. The main controller board handles the activation command reception and initiation, while the PC board executes the actual activation. This segmentation isolates the activation functionality from the potentially unstable PC OS, ensuring that bugs in the PC OS do not prevent the activation process from being initiated and tracked by the more reliable main controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The main controller board acts as an intermediary between the external activation signal and the PC board. It receives the activation command, validates it, and then triggers the PC board activation through a controlled interface. This intermediary role allows the system to maintain remote activation capability while adding a layer of stability and control, preventing direct exposure of the PC board's activation mechanism to external signals that could be affected by OS bugs.
2Loss of information
If operation data is stored in memory for later retrieval, then data can be read when the work machine is moved to a place with wireless LAN, but the controller cannot be activated to read data when the work machine is not in operation and power is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by ensuring the main controller board remains activatable even when the PC board is powered down. The main controller board is designed to receive activation commands and initiate the boot sequence, preparing the system for data retrieval before the full system is activated. This allows the controller to be remotely restarted through wireless LAN as long as the main controller board has the necessary activation functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a high-spec OS for PCs is used to provide various functions and easy program updates, then functionality is expanded, but bugs in updated programs may destabilize the activation operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the PC board running the high-spec OS from the main controller board that manages activation. This segmentation allows the PC board to benefit from the versatility and update capability of the PC OS while isolating the activation-critical functions on the main controller board, which runs a more stable work machine OS. Bugs in the PC OS cannot directly affect the activation process managed by the main controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for potential PC OS failures by having the main controller board independently capable of handling activation commands. This cushioning measure ensures that even if the PC OS becomes unstable due to bugs, the activation function remains protected because the main controller board can initiate and manage the activation process without relying on the PC OS's stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller for a work machine includes a main board and a PC board. The main board includes a main controller that runs on a built-in work machine operating system, a first activator that activates the main controller when an activation signal for activating the controller is inputted, and an activation commander that outputs an activation-command signal to the PC board when the main controller becomes active. The PC board includes a PC controller that runs on an operating system for PCs, a network terminal, a network controller that outputs the activation signal to the main board when a specific signal for commanding activation is inputted, and a second activator that activates the PC controller when the activation-command signal outputted from the activation commander of the main board is inputted.