Industrial Automation Device Storage Extension for Local Builds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial automation devices face challenges in building software applications due to limited disk space, leading to failed build processes when additional temporary space is required during the build process but not needed post-completion.
Innovation Solution
A method involving logical volume management (LVM) to expand the target device's storage capacity by integrating an external storage device during the build process, allowing seamless expansion and contraction of logical volumes as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the build process is executed on the target device with limited internal storage, then the application can be built directly on the target device, but the build process fails due to insufficient disk space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the storage capacity by integrating an external storage device, effectively adding another dimension to the storage architecture. The logical volume is extended to include both internal and external storage, providing the necessary space for the build process while maintaining the ability to build applications directly on the target device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic storage management where the logical volume is extended during the build process to utilize external storage, and then shrunk back to its original size after completion. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt storage capacity to the immediate needs of the build process while maintaining efficient resource usage.
2Quantity of substance
If external storage device is integrated to extend logical volume, then sufficient space is available for build process, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a software component as an intermediary that automatically manages the extension and shrinking of the logical volume. This intermediary handles the complexity of storage management, providing a simple interface for the build process while managing the underlying complexity of integrating and managing external storage devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting when external storage is available, extending the logical volume when needed for the build process, and then automatically shrinking it back after completion. This automation eliminates the need for manual intervention and reduces the operational complexity for users.
3Quantity of substance
If external storage device is permanently integrated, then sufficient space is always available, but resource efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by extending the logical volume only during the build process when additional space is needed, and then shrinking it back after completion. This periodic extension and contraction ensures that external storage resources are utilized only when necessary, maximizing resource efficiency while providing sufficient space during critical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the parameter of logical volume size based on the build process requirements. The logical volume is extended to a larger size during building and then shrunk back to its original size afterward, allowing the system to adapt storage parameters to immediate needs rather than maintaining a permanently larger volume.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for building an application image on a target device of an industrial automation system is disclosed. The target device includes an internal storage medium organized into one or more logical volumes. The method includes identifying an external storage device connected to the target device. The method further includes extending a logical volume of the target device through integration between the internal storage medium and the external storage device. The method further includes initiating a build process for building the application image, wherein the extended logical volume is utilized by the build process. The build process necessitates more space than that used by a final artifact resulting from the build process. The method further includes, subsequent to the completion of the build process, shrinking the extended logical volume to its original state prior to the extension, enabling release of the external storage device from the target device.