Process Control System Function Block Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing process control systems face challenges in effectively utilizing function blocks from other systems due to high engineering burdens and increased load on the system, particularly when integrating with other control systems, as they require cumbersome data management and handling limitations.
Innovation Solution
A process control system that associates function blocks from other systems with data items of the same rank, using an associating section and definition-information generating section to generate necessary information for processing, along with a template generating section for screen display, allowing for efficient utilization of function blocks while reducing system load and engineering burdens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If function blocks from other systems are integrated using traditional methods (OPC server with mapping blocks), then data management capability is improved, but system load and engineering burden increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the function block data structure from the other control system by generating definition information that mirrors the original function block's data items, attributes, and hierarchy. This virtual representation allows the system to manage function block data without requiring physical mapping blocks or direct connections to the other system, thereby reducing engineering burden while maintaining full data management capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the definition information generation section) that automatically translates and represents function block data from other systems. This intermediary layer eliminates the need for direct integration complexity by mediating between the other system's data structure and the present system's requirements, reducing both engineering burden and system load
2Ease of operation
If all data from other control system is handled separately, then data access flexibility is improved, but data management efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the management of function block data with the existing data item management framework. By representing function block data as data items with associated definition information, the system combines the flexibility of individual data access with the efficiency of unified management, allowing both flexible data access and efficient batch operations on multiple function block data items simultaneously
3Reliability
If mapping blocks are updated with constant period, then data freshness is improved, but OPC server load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic updates of definition information at appropriate intervals, balancing data freshness requirements with system load constraints. By updating definition information periodically rather than continuously, the system maintains reliable data representation while reducing the burden on the OPC server compared to constant-period updates of traditional mapping blocks
Data Source
AI summary
A function block used in another process control system is previously associated with an data item by taking the function block being as data on a same rank as the data item. A definition-information generating section previously generates definition information about the function block associated with the data item, depending upon OPC browse information. An information-processing executing section executes a predetermined information processing by use of the association and the definition information.