Distributed Access Control Unit for Remote Setting Backup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control systems require users to physically access the CPU unit for accessing and backing up setting information, limiting flexibility in where the operation can be performed.

Innovation Solution

A control system that allows users to perform access processes for loading and reading setting information through a first functional unit, which can be reconfigured to operate independently of the CPU unit's installation location, enabling flexible selection of storage units and execution targets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the access process for restoring or backing up setting information is performed through the CPU unit, then the process can be executed, but the user must physically go to the CPU unit's installation location, reducing operational flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveOperational flexibilityVSAvoidSystem architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control system into multiple functional units (CPU unit, IO units, and a dedicated access process execution unit). The access process functionality is separated from the CPU unit and can be executed by any functional unit that receives an access process execution instruction, allowing users to perform operations at any location within the networked system rather than being constrained to the CPU unit's physical location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling any functional unit in the control system to execute the access process for restoring or backing up setting information. The functional unit that receives the execution instruction can universally perform the access process regardless of whether it is the CPU unit or an IO unit, making the system more flexible and adaptable to different operational scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the CPU unit is installed at a fixed location for control operations, then system stability is maintained, but the location for executing access processes is constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLocation flexibilityVSAvoidSystem stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic flexibility by allowing the execution location of access processes to change based on system configuration and operational needs. While the CPU unit maintains its fixed installation for control functions, the ability to execute access processes dynamically shifts to any functional unit that receives the execution instruction, providing adaptability without compromising the CPU unit's stable control role.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple IO units are connected remotely to the CPU unit, then system versatility is improved, but the ability to perform access processes remotely is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSystem configuration flexibilityVSAvoidAccess process execution flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the networked functional units as intermediaries that can receive and execute access process instructions. When an IO unit receives an access process execution instruction, it acts as an intermediary to perform the restore or backup operations, eliminating the need for users to physically access the CPU unit's location and enabling remote execution of access processes throughout the distributed system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3531219B1Control system and functional unit
Publication Date: 2021.08.18 OMRON CORP
  • EP3531219B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3531219B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3531219B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A control system (1) and a functional unit (300) are capable of freely setting a place at which an operation for executing an access process is performed independently of an installation place of a controller (100). A CPU unit capable of communicating with a storage unit (400), and a plurality of functional units (2) communicatively connected to the CPU unit are included. The functional unit (300) includes an input unit including a switch that receives a user operation. The input unit generates a command (D60) for executing an access process when an input portion (30) receives execution of the access process for accessing the storage unit (400) from an IO unit. A designated IO unit executes the access process.