Dynamic Data Object Assignment in Process Control Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing process control systems, particularly those using programmable logic controllers (PLCs), are inflexible and difficult to modify, requiring interruption of the control program to change assignments between program variables and process data objects, which limits their adaptability during system startup scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A method and control device that allow for the dynamic modification of data object assignments between different data processing modules during operation, enabling flexible reassignment without interrupting the control program, using an assignment function provided by the operating program to manage memory area pointers and maintain a list of assignments in an assignments file, allowing for creation, modification, or removal of assignments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the control program is modified to change data object assignments, then the process control can be adapted to different scenarios, but the control program must be interrupted and recompiled, reducing productivity and increasing loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into distinct modules: the control program, the operating program, and the assignments file. This allows the assignments file to be modified independently without affecting the control program execution. The segmentation enables changes to be made to data object assignments while the control program continues to run, eliminating the need for interruption and recompilation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an assignments file as an intermediary between the control program and the actual data object assignments. This intermediary layer allows modifications to be made to the assignments file without requiring changes to the control program itself. The operating program acts as a mediator that reads the assignments file and applies the assignments dynamically, enabling flexible adaptation without stopping the control program.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the control program is interrupted to modify assignments, then the data object assignments can be changed, but the control execution is halted, increasing loss of time and reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic assignment of data objects by allowing the assignments file to be modified during runtime. The operating program continuously monitors and applies changes from the assignments file without requiring the control program to stop. This dynamic approach enables real-time adaptation of data object assignments while maintaining continuous control execution, eliminating time loss associated with interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous execution of the control program while allowing modifications to the assignments file. The operating program handles the modification process in the background, maintaining the continuity of useful action. The control program continues to execute its control logic without interruption, while the assignments are updated dynamically through the operating program and assignments file mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the control program is recompiled to implement assignment changes, then the new assignments take effect, but the complexity of the modification process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data object assignment information from the control program and places it in a separate assignments file. This extraction simplifies the modification process by allowing changes to be made directly to the assignments file using simple text editors or configuration tools, rather than requiring complex recompilation processes. The control program remains unchanged, while the assignments file can be easily modified and updated dynamically.
Data Source
AI summary
To simplify and/or more flexibly implement a process control by means of a control device, a method is provided for process control in which at least one first and one second data processing module are executed by a control device during operation, wherein an operating program of the control device automatically implements an exchange of data between assigned data objects of the first and the second data processing module, and wherein the assignment between the data objects of the first and the second data processing modules is modified during operation of the control device in order to modify the process control. In addition, the control device is designed to carry out the method, as well as an operating program for such a control device, which can particularly be saved on a data storage device.