PLC Register Range Allocation for Flexible Machine Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems lack the ability for users to freely allocate register ranges in higher-level control devices for controlling industrial machines, limiting flexibility and customization in control device programming.

Innovation Solution

An engineering device and method that allows users to allocate a freely-selected register range among the registers of a higher-level control device, enabling control of multiple industrial machines through a user-friendly interface and networked components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed register range is used in higher-level control device, then system simplicity is maintained, but user flexibility and customization capability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser flexibility in register allocationVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic register range allocation where the engineering device allows users to freely specify start and end register numbers, and the system dynamically determines and allocates appropriate register ranges based on user input and device capabilities, transforming the static fixed allocation into a dynamic adaptable system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables parameter changes by allowing users to modify register range parameters (start register number, end register number) according to specific application requirements, and the engineering device processes these parameter changes to reconfigure the control system accordingly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If fixed register allocation is implemented, then system configuration is simplified, but communication efficiency and system performance are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The engineering device provides self-service functionality by automatically determining optimal register ranges based on user-specified parameters and device capabilities, performing automatic allocation and configuration without requiring manual system reconfiguration, thereby improving communication efficiency while maintaining configuration simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If register ranges are freely selectable, then user customization is improved, but risk of register overlap and system errors increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregister allocation flexibilityVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the engineering device monitors register allocation status and provides feedback to users about potential overlaps or conflicts, allowing users to adjust their selections before final configuration, thus maintaining flexibility while preventing errors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary validation and conflict detection before finalizing the register allocation, proactively identifying and preventing potential register overlaps or conflicts that could cause system errors, thereby ensuring reliability before deployment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentEP3933523B1Engineering device, engineering method, and program
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 YASKAWA DENKI KK
  • EP3933523B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3933523B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3933523B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An engineering device (10) is configured to set a higher-level control device (20) capable of controlling a control device (30) for one or more industrial machines (40). A reception module (102) is configured to receive specification of a register number of the higher-level control device (20). A decision module (103) is configured to determine, based on the specified register number, a register range to be used for control of the control device (30) by the higher-level control device (20). An allocation module (106) is configured to allocate the determined register range among registers of the higher-level control device (20), for the control of the control device (30).