Layered Automation Project Format for Runtime HMI Updates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing and modifying industrial automation projects, such as those for Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems, require recompiling and transferring entire project files, leading to inefficiencies and loss of previous versions, and do not allow for dynamic modifications during runtime or isolation of changes by operating steps.
Innovation Solution
A project format structured into layers, where each layer represents a specific operating step or modification, allowing for incremental and flexible updates, with the ability to make both temporary and persistent changes, and enabling modifications during runtime without affecting the entire project.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the entire project is recompiled and transferred after each modification, then the project can be updated on the runtime device, but the process becomes time-consuming and loses previous versions
Solution Approach 1:
The project is divided into multiple layers (base layer and additional layers), where each layer represents a specific modification or operating step. This segmentation allows selective compilation and transfer of only the modified layers rather than the entire project, significantly reducing compilation time and preserving previous versions through version control of individual layers.
2Productivity
If the project is compiled for optimized hardware performance, then execution efficiency improves, but the project becomes less flexible for modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The project structure allows dynamic modification of individual layers at runtime. The runtime device can load, unload, and modify specific additional layers without recompiling the entire project, enabling both optimized execution of the base layer and flexible adaptation through layer additions or modifications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modifications are made during runtime, then the system becomes more adaptable, but it complicates the project management
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the project into layers, each representing a specific modification or operational phase, the system simplifies runtime management. Each layer can be independently controlled, loaded, or modified without affecting other layers, reducing the complexity of managing runtime changes compared to a monolithic project structure.
4Ease of operation
If the project is transferred through network or USB key, then it enables flexibility in transfer methods, but the transfer process becomes slower
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the necessary modified layers from the project for transfer, rather than transferring the entire project. This selective extraction significantly reduces transfer time while maintaining flexibility in transfer methods (network, USB key, or other means), as the data volume is minimized to only what is needed for the specific modification.
Data Source
AI summary
Project format, suitable to define functions and/or characteristics of an operator interface device or of a PLC of an operating machine, more generally of an industrial device. The project format comprises a base layer and a plurality of additional layers disposed in order on the base layer from the oldest to the newest.