Safety Configuration File Converter with Consistency Check
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for converting safety configuration files for safety control devices in manipulator systems are inefficient, requiring manual editing and extensive verification, especially when format changes occur due to updates or changes in safety functions, leading to increased effort and risk of improper configuration.
Innovation Solution
A method that converts the first safety configuration file into a second using a converter and checks consistency using a consistency check unit, allowing for automatic conversion and verification, with the same identifier maintained for the second file to prevent unnecessary activation and verification, and creating delta lists to identify inconsistencies for manual editing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual editing is used to convert safety configuration files, then the conversion can be performed with simple tools, but the conversion and verification effort increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical editing of safety configuration files with an automated converter system. The converter automatically transforms safety configuration files between different formats, eliminating the need for manual editing and significantly reducing conversion effort and time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The consistency check unit automatically verifies the converted safety configuration file without requiring manual verification. The system performs self-checking by comparing the converted file against the original specifications, automatically identifying and reporting inconsistencies, thus eliminating time-consuming manual verification processes.
2Reliability
If physical tests are performed for verification, then the safety configuration can be thoroughly checked, but the verification effort and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical testing and manual verification processes with automated computational verification. The consistency check unit uses algorithmic comparison and validation rules to verify safety configuration files, providing thorough checking without the time consumption of physical tests.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs verification checks automatically during the conversion process itself, before the converted file is deployed. The consistency check unit validates the converted safety configuration file immediately after conversion, identifying issues early without requiring separate verification steps or physical testing.
3Loss of information
If the identifier is changed after conversion, then the converted file can be uniquely identified, but unnecessary activation and verification are triggered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent preserves the original identifier from the source safety configuration file in the converted file. By copying the identifier rather than generating a new one, the system maintains file recognition continuity, preventing the safety control device from detecting changes that would trigger unnecessary activation and verification processes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If format changes are made to support new safety functions, then the safety control device can provide updated functionality, but the conversion complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The converter is designed with multi-functionality to handle various safety configuration file formats and versions. It can automatically detect the source format, apply appropriate conversion rules, and output in the required target format, supporting multiple safety functions and configurations through a single unified conversion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion process systematically changes file format parameters, data structures, and syntax elements according to predefined conversion rules. The converter adjusts parameters such as file encoding, data representation, and configuration syntax to match the target format requirements while preserving the semantic meaning of the safety configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and a data processing system for converting at least one first security configuration file of a control device into a second security configuration file. The first security configuration file is converted into a second security configuration file using a converter, and the consistency of the first security configuration file and the second security configuration file is checked using a consistency check unit.