Industrial IDE Topology Scripting for Consistent Device Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial automation systems require separate configuration tools for different devices, leading to a piecemeal design approach that necessitates significant debugging and testing to ensure proper integration of disparate system aspects.
Innovation Solution
An integrated development environment (IDE) that provides a common design environment and data model for configuring and managing automation system devices, using a domain-specific language (DSL) to define device topology and generate executable control programs or device configuration data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate configuration tools are used for different industrial devices, then device-specific configuration precision is improved, but system integration complexity increases and debugging time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate device configuration tools into a single integrated configuration tool that can configure controllers, I/O devices, and other automation devices simultaneously. This unified tool uses a common user interface and configuration methodology, eliminating the need to switch between disparate tools while maintaining device-specific configuration precision through specialized configuration modules for each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated configuration tool provides universal functionality to configure multiple types of industrial devices through a single platform. It includes device-specific configuration modules that can handle controller programming, I/O device parameter setting, and system integration tasks, all within one tool that adapts its interface and capabilities based on the selected device type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate configuration tools are used for different devices, then device-specific functionality is optimized, but development time increases due to piecemeal design approach
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated configuration tool performs preliminary system-wide planning and device selection before detailed configuration begins. It allows users to define the overall system architecture, select all required devices, and establish communication protocols in advance, so that subsequent device-specific configurations can proceed efficiently without requiring redesign or extensive debugging later.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool provides real-time feedback during configuration about system-wide compatibility and integration issues. As devices are configured, the system automatically checks for communication conflicts, address overlaps, and protocol mismatches, alerting users to problems before they manifest during commissioning, thereby reducing debugging time significantly.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate configuration tools are used, then each tool can be optimized for its specific device, but consistency across the system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple configuration tools into one integrated platform, the patent ensures that all devices are configured using the same underlying data model, communication protocols, and system architecture rules. This unified approach maintains consistency across the entire system while preserving device-specific configuration capabilities through specialized modules that follow common standards.
4Measurement precision
If separate configuration approaches are used for different devices, then device-specific parameters can be precisely configured, but integration debugging effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated configuration tool implements automated feedback mechanisms that continuously verify parameter consistency, communication compatibility, and system integration readiness throughout the configuration process. It provides real-time validation of device parameters, detects potential integration conflicts, and guides users through resolution steps, thereby maintaining precise parameter configuration while dramatically reducing the debugging effort required for system integration.
Data Source
AI summary
An industrial integrated development environment (IDE) allows project topologies to be defined using an industrial domain-specific language (DSL) script. DSL scripting language can be used to define a control system topology in terms of the devices that make up the control system as well as the data connections between those devices. The IDE system can translate resulting topology to a project tree that serves as the basis for a control system project.