PLC Task Execution Condition Modification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control systems, such as PLCs, face challenges in dynamically adjusting program priorities and execution cycles based on usage conditions, leading to inefficiencies during startup, communication with host systems, and high-speed processing.

Innovation Solution

A controller with a storage section for programs and task information, allowing execution conditions to be modified through user programs, enabling updates to task priorities and cycles, ensuring efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If program priorities and execution cycles are fixed in advance, then system stability is improved, but adaptability to changing usage conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexecution condition stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to usage conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic execution conditions by allowing the user program to modify task priorities and cycles during runtime. The control section executes the user program periodically and updates task information based on setting instructions contained in the user program, enabling the system to adapt execution conditions to changing usage conditions while maintaining operational stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes execution parameters (priority and cycle) dynamically by storing task information including priority and cycle in a storage section, executing the user program periodically, and updating task information when the user program contains setting instructions to modify these parameters. This allows the system to adapt to different usage conditions such as startup, communication, and high-speed processing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If program execution conditions are modified during operation, then adaptability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic execution condition modificationVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control section serves multiple functions: it executes the user program periodically, monitors for setting instructions within the user program, updates task information when modifications are detected, and continues execution based on updated conditions. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single control section without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing complexity while enabling dynamic adaptation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the user program to contain setting instructions that automatically modify task priorities and cycles during execution. The control section executes these modification instructions without external intervention, and the system automatically adapts its execution conditions based on the user program's own instructions, reducing the need for external configuration changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If fixed cycle execution is used, then timing precision is improved, but flexibility in response to different operational phases deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexecution timing precisionVSAvoidflexibility across operational phases

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control section executes the user program periodically at fixed intervals to maintain timing precision. However, during each execution cycle, the system checks for and processes setting instructions that can modify task priorities and cycles for future executions. This periodic execution with embedded modification capability allows the system to maintain precise timing while adapting to different operational phases such as startup, communication, and high-speed processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains fixed cycle execution for timing precision but dynamically adjusts the parameters (priority and cycle duration) between executions based on usage conditions. The control section updates task information stored in the storage section during periodic execution, enabling the cycle time and priority to change dynamically while each individual execution maintains precise timing according to its assigned cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10139799B2Controller to modify an execution condition during program execution

Publication Date: 2018.11.27 OMRON CORP

AI summary

A controller, such as a PLC, stores a task execution condition management table that indicates execution conditions for tasks and executes programs periodically in accordance with the execution conditions for the tasks. The controller provides a setting instruction for modifying the execution conditions for the tasks. A user enters the setting instruction in a user program by using a support device, for example. The controller updates the task execution condition management table with regard to a task associated with the instruction by executing the instruction for modifying the execution conditions for the tasks, including priorities of the tasks and cycles of the tasks, contained in the user program, and executes the programs in accordance with the updated execution conditions for the tasks.