Real-Time Data Connectors for Multi-Language Program Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automation systems face challenges in achieving real-time data exchange between program modules, particularly in industrial environments with time-critical processes, where existing solutions fail to provide sufficient flexibility, security, and maintainability, especially as they transition from classic IEC 61131-3 programming to modern high-level languages.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a data storage device that stores meta-information and uses description files to configure connectors for real-time data exchange between program modules, allowing modules written in different programming languages to access a common data memory, with features like dynamic connector generation and buffer mechanisms for efficient data handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If program modules use different programming languages for flexibility and modernization, then adaptability and versatility improve, but data exchange consistency and real-time capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a data storage device as an intermediary component that mediates data exchange between program modules written in different programming languages. The data storage device provides a standardized interface and common data memory space that all program modules access uniformly, ensuring data consistency regardless of the programming language used. This intermediary layer decouples the language-specific program modules from each other while maintaining reliable data exchange through the standardized storage device interface.
2Productivity
If a common data memory is introduced for real-time data exchange, then productivity and real-time capability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The data storage device is designed as a universal component that serves multiple program modules simultaneously through a standardized interface. It provides common data memory access, variable storage, and data exchange functionality to all connected program modules regardless of their programming language or specific function. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise be multiple separate data storage solutions into a single versatile device, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high real-time data exchange efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If system configuration is made dynamic through description files and connectors, then ease of operation and maintainability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic system configuration through description files that define connector parameters and data storage device settings. Instead of hard-coded connections, the system uses configurable connectors that can be dynamically established and modified through description files. This allows the system to adapt its data exchange topology without physical reconfiguration or recompilation, improving ease of operation and maintainability. The dynamic nature is managed through a standardized configuration interface that simplifies the complexity of dynamic reconfiguration.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for interchanging real-time data between program modules (11, 12, 13). The method comprises providing a data storage device (20) and storing meta information (21-31) in the data storage device (20), wherein the meta information (21-31) has at least one variable. The method also provides for at least one description file to be provided and for the data storage device (20) to be configured with the description file. The method also comprises providing at least one connector (14), wherein a connection can be established between program modules (11, 12, 13) via the data storage device (20) using the connector (14) on the basis of a request in the description file, and wherein the program modules (11, 12, 13) are created using identical or different programming languages and can be executed by a real-time operating system. The method also comprises interchanging at least one variable (21-31) between one of the program modules (11, 12, 13) and the data storage device (20) via the connector (14).