Sensor Data Relay Conversion for PLC-Compatible Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems require users to manually convert sensor data formats each time a new sensor is introduced, imposing a significant burden due to the need for specific programming in the programmable logic controller (PLC) to interpret the data correctly, limiting the types of sensors that can be used.
Innovation Solution
An information processing device that includes a processor to obtain, convert, and provide sensor data in a format interpretable by the PLC, reducing the need for manual format conversion and simplifying the integration of new sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensor data is converted into a network signal format for transmission via bus wiring, then the signal can be transmitted through the relay box, but the sensor data cannot be correctly interpreted by the PLC of the main equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The relay box acts as an intermediary device that receives sensor data in various formats, converts it to a standardized network signal format for reliable transmission via bus wiring, and simultaneously maintains the ability to correctly interpret different sensor data formats. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by adding a translation layer that preserves both transmission reliability and sensor compatibility.
2Ease of operation
If a converting process is executed in the PLC to convert sensor data format, then the PLC can correctly interpret the data, but a new program must be prepared and installed each time a new sensor is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The format conversion function is extracted from the PLC and relocated to the relay box. This extraction eliminates the need to modify PLC programs when new sensors are introduced, as the relay box independently handles format conversion. The PLC only needs to receive standardized network signals, significantly reducing programming complexity while maintaining data interpretability.
3Productivity
If the relay box converts sensor data to network signal format, then transmission is enabled, but the conversion does not produce a format interpretable by the PLC
Solution Approach 1:
The relay box performs preliminary format conversion and validation of sensor data before transmitting it to the PLC. By preprocessing the data in advance and converting it to a PLC-interpretable format, the system ensures both efficient transmission and compatibility with the PLC's data processing requirements, eliminating the need for additional conversion steps.
Data Source
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.