PLC Resource Allocation for Stable Control and Information Programs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional programmable logic controllers are expensive, lack scalability, and are incompatible with general-purpose appliances, leading to potential instability and unexpected operations in factories due to inadequate resource management and integration of control and information programs.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus that allows for the coexistence of control and information programs, with separate execution management data for each, enabling dynamic resource allocation and prioritization to maintain stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control and information programs are integrated in conventional programmable logic controllers, then resource management becomes complicated and system stability deteriorates, but separating them into different devices increases device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control program and information program into separate execution environments within the same device. The control program executes in a dedicated control program execution unit with guaranteed resource allocation, while the information program executes in a separate information program execution unit. This segmentation allows independent resource management for each program type, preventing information programs from interfering with control program execution and thus maintaining system stability while avoiding the need for completely separate physical devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an execution management data structure as an intermediary mechanism that mediates resource allocation between control and information programs. This execution management data stores and manages the resource allocation parameters for both program types, enabling the system to coordinate their execution without direct interference. The intermediary mechanism allows flexible resource distribution while maintaining the stability of time-critical control operations.
2Reliability
If dedicated programmable logic controllers are used for control functions, then control stability is maintained, but scalability and adaptability to general-purpose applications are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the programmable logic controller universal by enabling it to execute both traditional control programs and general-purpose information programs within the same device. The information program execution unit can run various types of applications including data processing, communication protocols, and user interface management, while the control program execution unit maintains dedicated control functions. This multi-functionality allows the device to adapt to different application requirements without sacrificing control stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the execution management data can be modified to change resource distribution between control and information programs based on system needs. The resource allocation is not fixed but can be adjusted dynamically, allowing the system to adapt to varying workloads and requirements while maintaining control stability through guaranteed minimum resources for control functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If information programs are added to programmable logic controllers, then functionality and versatility improve, but resource management complexity and potential interference with control programs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resource management into separate management structures for control programs and information programs. The execution management data is divided into control program execution management data and information program execution management data, each with its own resource allocation parameters. This segmentation simplifies resource management by providing clear boundaries and independent control mechanisms for each program type, reducing the overall complexity despite the increased functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the execution management system continuously monitors resource usage by both control and information programs and adjusts allocation accordingly. This feedback ensures that information programs do not consume excessive resources that would interfere with control program execution, maintaining system stability while enabling enhanced functionality through information programs.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a control apparatus allowing control programs and information programs to coexist, execution management data that indicates the upper limit of resources that are resources usable by the programs is enabled to be appropriately changed. The control apparatus downloads at least one of one or more object programs (one or more programs among one or more control programs and one or more information programs) from a program distribution apparatus via a network and one or more network ports. At timing different from the timing of the download, the control apparatus changes the execution management data that indicates the upper limit of resources that are resources usable by the object program in relation to a plurality of computing resources of the control apparatus. Each control program is a program that performs a scan operation of outputting control information on the control object apparatuses coupled to I/O ports. Each information program is a program that performs information processing different from the scan operation.