Sensor Data Relay for PLC-Compatible Format Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for connecting sensors to programmable logic controllers (PLCs) in production sites require extensive programming and conversion processes for each new sensor, making the introduction of new sensors a burdensome task due to format incompatibilities and limited compatibility with various sensor types.
Innovation Solution
An information processing device with a processor that obtains, converts, and provides sensor data in a format interpretable by the PLC, reducing the burden of introducing new sensors by managing sensor data formats and addressing compatibility issues through a relay device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If sensor data is converted into a format suitable for network transmission via relay box, then transmission capability is improved, but compatibility with PLC interpretation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The relay box acts as an intermediary device that receives sensor data, converts it to network transmission format for efficient communication, and simultaneously maintains the ability to convert data to PLC-interpretable formats. This mediator approach allows the system to bridge different data format requirements without losing compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay box is designed with multi-functional capability to handle both network transmission conversion and PLC format conversion. It can process sensor data in multiple formats and output to different destinations (network or PLC) appropriately, making it a universal device that addresses both transmission speed and compatibility requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a new sensor is introduced with different data format, then sensor versatility is improved, but programming burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relay box performs automatic format conversion based on the sensor type connected to it. The system self-adjusts by identifying the sensor data format and applying the appropriate conversion rules without requiring manual programming intervention. This self-service capability allows new sensors to be integrated simply by connecting them to the relay box, which automatically handles the format adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay box dynamically changes data format parameters based on the connected sensor type. It detects the sensor's data format characteristics and automatically adjusts conversion parameters to match, enabling seamless integration of various sensor types without requiring changes to the PLC programming or system configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensor formats are supported, then adaptability is improved, but conversion process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relay box implements segmentation by providing dedicated conversion functions for different sensor types. Each sensor format has its own conversion module or processing path within the relay box, allowing multiple formats to be handled independently and efficiently without creating a complex monolithic conversion system.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an information processing device including at least one processor which executes an obtaining process for obtaining sensor data transmitted from each of sensors included in a sensor group, a converting process for converting the sensor data, which has been obtained in the obtaining process, into a particular format, and a providing process for providing, to main equipment, the sensor data whose format has been converted in the converting process. (Fig. 2)