Remote Unit Shared Memory Allocation for Distributed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote units in distributed control systems for Factory Automation face a shortage of data storage area due to the inability to mount internal or external storage media with sufficient capacity, impacting operational stability and data logging accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A unit is introduced that allocates control data related to control-target devices between a first and second storage unit, allowing for effective use of shared memory storage area by prioritizing data logging and transferring data to a controller unit when storage is full.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If remote units are located in a distributed manner with minimal hardware configuration to reduce overall system cost, then device complexity and product cost are reduced, but data storage area becomes insufficient for effective data logging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage resources of multiple remote units by allowing one remote unit to allocate its storage area to another remote unit. This combining of storage resources across distributed units solves the insufficient storage capacity problem while maintaining the distributed architecture and minimal hardware configuration of each individual unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a storage allocation mechanism that acts as an intermediary between remote units with excess storage capacity and those with insufficient capacity. The control unit mediates the storage resource distribution, enabling effective data logging across the distributed system without requiring each unit to have sufficient individual storage.
2Measurement precision
If control data is continuously logged in the remote unit's memory, then measurement precision and operational stability are improved, but storage area is exhausted leading to data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit monitors the storage status of remote units and dynamically allocates storage capacity. When storage is approaching exhaustion, the system receives feedback about the storage level and automatically redistributes data to units with available capacity, preventing data loss while maintaining continuous logging accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the storage allocation dynamic rather than static. The control unit continuously adjusts the storage capacity distribution among remote units based on real-time storage status, enabling the system to adapt to changing data logging requirements and prevent storage exhaustion while maintaining measurement precision.
3Quantity of substance
If internal memory or external storage medium with sufficient storage area is mounted in each remote unit, then data storage capacity is increased, but device complexity and product cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the storage units universal by enabling them to serve multiple purposes: each remote unit's storage can be used for its own data logging needs and also allocated to other remote units when excess capacity exists. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for each unit to have sufficient individual storage capacity, reducing hardware complexity and cost while maintaining adequate total storage capacity across the system.
Data Source
AI summary
A unit is connected to both devices to be controlled and the other unit. The unit includes a control unit connected to the devices to be controlled, and a shared memory to be capable of storing therein information. The control unit allocates control data related to the devices to be controlled to the shared memory of its own unit and the shared memory of the other unit so as to be stored respectively in the shared memories.