Modular Object Binding via Directory Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial control configurations face challenges in efficiently matching modular objects with hosts that have complementary capabilities, leading to suboptimal operation and resource management in complex mechanical and electronic systems.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes a directory to publish capability and operational requirement information, allowing modular objects to bind with hosts that meet their needs, and employs a resource manager to create bindings, along with a subscription service for communication, ensuring optimal matching and resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If modular objects are manually matched with hosts, then matching accuracy can be improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic matching where modular objects and hosts self-publish their capability metadata to a directory service and automatically bind with compatible counterparts without manual intervention. The resource manager monitors the directory for matching opportunities and autonomously creates bindings, enabling the system to self-configure and reducing both time consumption and operational complexity while maintaining high matching accuracy through algorithmic compatibility assessment.
2Productivity
If automatic matching is implemented, then operational efficiency is improved, but matching precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the resource manager continuously monitors the directory service for capability metadata changes and binding outcomes. When modular objects or hosts are added, removed, or modified, the system receives feedback and automatically re-evaluates matching opportunities. This closed-loop feedback ensures that automatic matching maintains high precision by adapting to system changes and verifying binding compatibility through ongoing capability assessment.
3Productivity
If capability metadata is published in a centralized directory, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal directory service that serves multiple functions: publishing capability metadata, storing operational requirements, facilitating automatic matching, and enabling dynamic binding management. This single multi-functional directory infrastructure replaces what would otherwise require separate systems for capability registration, requirement storage, matching coordination, and binding tracking, thereby improving resource allocation efficiency while minimizing the increase in system complexity through consolidation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic binding is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but control overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a resource manager as an intermediary component that mediates between modular objects, hosts, and the directory service. The resource manager monitors capability metadata changes in the directory, evaluates matching opportunities, and creates or modifies bindings autonomously without requiring direct control intervention. This intermediary approach enables dynamic adaptability by automatically responding to system changes while minimizing control overhead by automating the matching and binding management processes.
Data Source
AI summary
An object can be used in an industrial control configuration in relation to performing a function or task. Matching can occur such that an object with operational requirements can bind with a host that has capabilities that meet those operational requirements—matching can occur automatically as well as through user operation. Once matched, different functionality can be presented to a user pertaining to the object. To assist the user, the object can include external references, logic, local or private data, as well as others in addition to resources. To facilitate operation, capabilities and resources can be published in a directory that can be accessed by different entities—sometimes with security constraints in order to protect configuration integrity. Likewise, a subscription system can be employed such that when a change to a related entity is made, a notice can transfer to related entities and operation can alter based upon the change.