Dual-Processor Control Handover for Downtime-Free Software Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software updates for industrial equipment require downtime, necessitating the stoppage of operations.
Innovation Solution
A control device comprising a first processor using first software for periodic control, a second processor using updated software, and a switching manager to coordinate the handover between processors, ensuring seamless transition without downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software is updated by stopping processing in the equipment, then software can be updated reliably, but operation of the equipment must be stopped causing downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is divided into multiple processors (first processor and second processor) that can operate independently. The first processor handles current control periods while the second processor prepares for and takes over future control periods, allowing software updates without stopping equipment operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The second processor loads and prepares control software in advance before it is needed. By pre-loading the updated software into the second processor's memory, the system ensures that when switching is required, the new software is already ready to execute, eliminating downtime during the update process.
2Productivity
If multiple processors are used for continuous control, then software updates can occur without downtime, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A switching manager acts as an intermediary component that coordinates between the first processor, second processor, and control software. It manages the complex switching logic by receiving switching requests, determining switching completion times, and controlling the transition between processors, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching manager integrates multiple functions including switching request reception, switching timing determination, and processor coordination into a single management component. This consolidation reduces the complexity that would otherwise be distributed across multiple independent control mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to the present embodiment, a control device comprises a first processor, a switching manager, and a second processor. The first processor is configured to execute control of a next control period on basis of control information having been changed during a current control period. The switching manager is configured to transmit to the first processor a switching notification for instructing switching to the first processor. The second processor is configured to use second software different from first software to be capable of executing control of a device by repeating a predetermined control period. The second processor uses at least the changed control information before a switching completion time as a time point where a currently processing control period ends to start control of the device in a next control period when control of the device in the next control period is executable.