Industrial Add-On Function Execution for Reusable Library Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional industrial control systems face challenges in integrating with open system libraries and require extensive and disruptive processes for tailoring code, limiting the ability to reuse logic and invoke functions efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The system facilitates the creation and management of add-on functions within industrial devices, allowing users to define source logic or link to functions with the same signature in a library, using an electronic processor to detect and execute add-on function calls, and providing a set of operations based on the function name, thereby simplifying the integration with open system libraries and reducing the complexity of implementation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional industrial control systems integrate with open system libraries, then adaptability and versatility improve, but device complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an add-on function module as an intermediary layer between the industrial control system and open system libraries. This module provides standardized function call interfaces that simplify integration, allowing the control system to invoke external library functions without direct complex connections. The add-on function acts as a mediator that handles the complexity of library integration while presenting a simple interface to the control logic.
2Ease of operation
If add-on functions are created and managed within industrial devices, then ease of operation and code reuse improve, but memory usage and execution time may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a function library that stores pre-defined add-on functions with their logic and parameters prepared in advance. When execution is needed, the system retrieves and executes these pre-prepared functions rather than creating or compiling them at runtime. This preliminary preparation reduces execution time while maintaining the ease of operation benefits of having a structured function library.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for facilitating add-on functions for employment with an industrial device. One system includes an electronic processor configured to detect an add-on function call from a user program executing within the industrial device. The electronic processor is also configured to determine a function name of an add-on function associated with the add-on function call. The electronic processor is also configured to provide a set of operations for executing the add-on function, based at least in part on the function name of the add-on function.