Program Update Support for Continuous Process Control Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In process control systems, online updates require significant effort from workers due to the complexity of identifying and selecting data necessary for continuous function during switching between process control devices, especially when design information is lacking or the program is large and complicated.
Innovation Solution
A program modification support device and method that includes a selector to identify data required for maintaining continuous functions during switching between process control devices, and a modifier to facilitate data transfer and storage, ensuring that only necessary data is retained and updated, reducing the effort required for online updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If workers manually identify and select data necessary for continuous function during online updates, then the update can be performed, but the effort and time required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic identification and selection of necessary data for continuous function during online updates, eliminating the need for manual worker intervention. The selector automatically determines which data must be retained based on program analysis, enabling the system to serve itself without external assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system预先 identifies and selects data necessary for continuous function before the online update is executed. By performing this selection in advance through automatic analysis, the system prepares everything needed for a smooth transition, reducing the time and effort required during the actual update process.
2Reliability
If workers manually modify programs for online updates, then the update can be completed, but the complexity and effort of the work increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs program modification by analyzing which data must be retained and generating the necessary modification instructions. This self-service capability eliminates complex manual modification work while ensuring program continuity is maintained through systematic analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The selector acts as an intermediary between the original program and the updated program, automatically identifying necessary data and facilitating the transition. This intermediary component simplifies the modification process by handling the complex analysis and selection tasks that would otherwise require skilled manual intervention.
3Reliability
If all data is retained during switching between process control devices, then continuous function is ensured, but storage requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The selector extracts only the specific data that is necessary for maintaining continuous function during device switching, separating it from unnecessary data. This extraction process ensures that only essential information is retained and transferred, minimizing storage requirements while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments data into categories based on their necessity for continuous function. By dividing data into essential and non-essential groups, the system can selectively retain only the necessary portions during switching, reducing overall storage requirements while ensuring critical functions continue uninterrupted.
Data Source
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AI summary
A program modification support device supports modifications of programs realizing functions of a process control system comprising a first process control device and a second process control device. The program modification support device includes a selector configured to select, from data used in a first program among the programs, data required to be maintained for continuing a first function when switching from the first process control device to the second process control device is performed, the first program being for realizing the first function required to be continued when the switching is performed.