Multi-option Device Configuration via Segmented Data Sheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of industrial control systems, with numerous options and choices for devices, leads to an exponential increase in potential configurations, making it difficult to identify and configure variables for industrial controllers, resulting in cumbersome Electronic Data Sheets (EDSs) and inefficient configuration processes.
Innovation Solution
A system that defines device information using a single Electronic Data Sheet (EDS) and Option Data Sheets (ODS) for each choice, allowing a programmer interface to select devices and options, generate a controller configuration file, and store this information within device memory, facilitating efficient configuration and communication between devices and the industrial controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single EDS is used to define all possible device configurations, then the configuration database size is reduced, but the complexity of managing and processing the configuration data increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration data structure into hierarchical levels: device type level (base EDS), option level (ODS templates), and instance level (selected options). This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity by organizing data in discrete, manageable units that can be independently processed and combined.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal ODS templates that can serve multiple device types and configurations. A single ODS template can be applied to different device instances with the same option type, eliminating the need to create separate configuration files for each specific device variant and reducing overall database complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all possible device options and choices are pre-configured, then configuration completeness is improved, but the time and resources required to manage configurations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-defining ODS templates for all possible options and choices that a device type might support. However, these templates remain dormant until actually selected, at which point they are instantiated and applied. This allows the system to be prepared for any configuration scenario without having to actively manage all possible configurations simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by allowing the configuration system to adapt its structure based on actual device selections. Rather than static preconfiguration of all possibilities, the system dynamically generates and applies ODS instances only when specific options are chosen, making the configuration process efficient and responsive to actual needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If device configurations are highly customizable with multiple options, then device versatility is improved, but the difficulty of identifying and linking variables increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ODS as an intermediary layer between the base EDS and the actual device configuration. The ODS templates contain standardized variable definitions that mediate between the generic device structure and the specific selected options, making variable identification and linking systematic rather than ad hoc.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically changes parameters by organizing variables according to their source (EDS vs. ODS) and their activation state (selected vs. not selected). This parameter-based organization allows the system to automatically track which variables are active for a given configuration, simplifying variable identification and management.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for defining information for multi-option devices connected to an industrial network is disclosed. Each device has a single electronic data sheet (EDS) defining options associated with the device as well as each of the choices associated with those options. An option data sheet (ODS) is included for each option defining the device information corresponding to that option. A programmer interface may allow a programmer to select devices as well as the options for each of those devices associated with a control system. Each device is also configured to store the EDS and each ODS corresponding to that device within memory in the device. The programmer interface generates a controller configuration file defining the connections between each device and the controller.