I/O Module Slot Mapping for Single-Connection Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional industrial process control and automation systems face challenges in efficiently integrating and programming a wide variety of third-party devices due to the lack of a simple method for identifying and utilizing data from individual I/O modules, especially when using rack or assembly connections, which require complex calculations and parsing of data offsets and sizes.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a generic adapter representation and a slot assembly data map to define data offsets and sizes for each I/O module, allowing users to create software connections and parse data automatically over a single logical connection, simplifying programming and enabling the use of individual I/O module representations even in rack or assembly connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If rack or assembly connections are used to integrate multiple I/O modules, then connection resources are conserved, but programming complexity increases due to complex calculations and parsing of data offsets and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a slot assembly data map as an intermediary data structure that automatically manages data offsets and sizes for multiple I/O modules. This mediator handles the complex parsing and calculation tasks, shielding programmers from the complexity while maintaining efficient rack/assembly connections. The data map serves as a buffer between the physical I/O configuration and the software programming layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data representation into individual slot entries within the slot assembly data map, where each slot corresponds to a specific I/O module. This segmentation allows the system to maintain multiple individual logical connections within a single physical connection, enabling programmers to work with simplified individual module representations while the underlying system efficiently manages the consolidated connection.
2Device complexity
If individual I/O module representations are used in rack or assembly connections, then programming becomes simpler, but connection resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates software copies or representations of individual I/O modules through the slot assembly data map structure. Each slot in the data map represents an individual I/O module with its own data offset and size information, providing a simplified programming interface. These are virtual copies that enable individual module programming semantics while the actual physical connection remains consolidated through the head end module.
3Measurement precision
If data offsets and sizes are manually calculated for each I/O module, then precise data handling is achieved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slot assembly data map performs preliminary action by automatically calculating and storing data offsets and sizes for all I/O modules in advance. During system configuration, the data map pre-computes the position and size of data for each slot, eliminating the need for programmers to perform manual calculations during programming or runtime. This preliminary computation maintains precise data handling while significantly reducing programming time.
4Adaptability or versatility
If flexible configuration and replacement of I/O modules is enabled, then system adaptability improves, but data mapping complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slot assembly data map provides a universal data structure that can accommodate different types of I/O modules in different slot positions. Each slot entry in the data map is configured with specific data offset and size parameters that adapt to the actual I/O module installed. This universal structure allows flexible configuration and replacement of modules while the data map automatically adjusts the mappings, shielding the control program from complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes presenting a graphical user interface to a user, where the graphical user interface identifies multiple slots that are configured to be coupled to multiple input/output (I/O) modules. The method also includes receiving, from the user via the graphical user interface, information defining a slot assembly data map. The slot assembly data map identifies data offsets and data sizes associated with the I/O modules. The data offsets and the data sizes identify where data can be sent to or received from the multiple I/O modules over a single logical connection. The method further includes using the data offsets and the data sizes of the slot assembly data map to provide data to or receive data from one or more of the I/O modules over the single logical connection.