PLC Logging Target Selection From Project File Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PLC systems face challenges in efficiently and arbitrarily designating devices as logging targets due to high processing loads and storage capacity limitations, especially when dealing with a large number of devices, which can reach several hundred thousands.
Innovation Solution
A logging support apparatus that includes device enumeration, display control, and target data generation means to allow users to efficiently and arbitrarily designate devices as logging targets through a graphical user interface, enabling project file analysis and device registration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automatic device determination is used based on user program content, then logging target selection is simplified, but user flexibility and arbitrary designation capability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device selection process into two independent parts: automatic determination based on program analysis and manual arbitrary designation. This allows the system to provide both automated convenience and user flexibility by separating these functions rather than forcing a single approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal device selection mechanism that can operate in multiple modes - automatic selection based on program content analysis and manual arbitrary designation. This multi-functional approach satisfies both automated efficiency needs and user flexibility requirements within a single system
2Quantity of substance
If logging is directed to a large number of devices, then comprehensive logging coverage is achieved, but processing load increases and real-time performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary logging targets from the large set of available devices through program analysis, identifying and separating the specific devices that need logging from those that don't. This reduces the quantity of logged devices to the minimum necessary, maintaining real-time performance while achieving adequate logging coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial logging by selecting only specific devices based on program analysis rather than logging all devices. This partial action approach provides sufficient logging coverage for troubleshooting and functional improvement without the excessive burden of comprehensive logging, thus maintaining real-time performance
3Quantity of substance
If logging is directed to a large number of devices, then comprehensive logging data is collected, but storage capacity is exhausted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and identifies only the essential logging targets through program analysis, separating necessary log sources from unnecessary ones. This extraction process ensures that storage capacity is utilized efficiently by collecting only the logging data that is actually needed for system operation, troubleshooting, and functional improvement
Data Source
AI summary
A logging support apparatus (10) includes a device enumerator (101) to analyze a project file (D121) for a control system including a PLC (20) and enumerate at least one device related to the control system, a display controller (102) to cause a list of the at least one device enumerated by the device enumerator (101) to be displayed on a display (130), and a device designator (105) to designate a device to be included into a logging target among the at least one device displayed on the display (130) in accordance with an operation of a user, and generate target data (D122) indicating the device designated to be included into the logging target.