PLC Variable Collection Distinguishing Information

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional PLCs face difficulties in determining which collection results are obtained by which TRSM commands when multiple TRSM commands are included in the user program.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating distinguishing information within the collection instruction program allows users to associate collected variables with specific TRSM commands, enabling identification of which collection result corresponds to which command through the use of trace numbers and point numbers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple TRSM commands are included in the user program to collect variables at different locations, then the data tracing capability is improved, but it becomes difficult for the user to determine which collection result corresponds to which TRSM command

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata tracing capabilityVSAvoididentification of collection results
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent assigns unique identifying information (trace numbers and point numbers) to each TRSM command location in the user program. This allows each collection operation to be locally distinguished, enabling users to track which variables are collected at which specific locations without confusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary data structure (trace result data) that stores the association between collecting information (from TRSM commands) and collection results. This intermediary layer enables the mapping and identification of collection results to their corresponding TRSM commands, solving the identification problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If tracing information is stored for all TRSM commands to enable identification, then the identification accuracy is improved, but the memory requirements and data processing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the trace information into two distinct parts: collecting information (trace number, point number, variable name) and collection results (variable values). This segmentation allows for efficient storage and processing, where the identifying information remains constant while only the results need to be updated during execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary processing by storing the collecting information (trace number, point number, variable name) before actual variable collection occurs. This pre-stored information serves as a template that simplifies the subsequent collection and identification processes, reducing real-time processing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2672348B1Control device, control system, tool device, and collection instruction program
Publication Date: 2019.09.11 OMRON CORP
  • EP2672348B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2672348B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2672348B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A control device is provided with a task execution unit, a collection unit which collects variables which have been referenced and updated in a user program and a management unit which manages the collected variables. The user program includes a collection instruction program which instructs the collection of the variables by the collection unit. The collection instruction program further includes distinguishing information for a user to distinguish the location of the collection instruction program in the user program. When the collection of the variables has been instructed by the collection instruction program, the management unit associates the variables collected by the collection unit with the distinguishing information of the collection instruction program.