Centralized Sequence Libraries for Parallel Field Control Engineering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automation engineering systems lack centralized management and reusability of sequence libraries across field control stations, requiring manual and error-prone processes for updating and importing/exporting sequence libraries, which limits the usability and reusability of module engineering data.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented engineering method that includes sequence library generation, assignment, parallel configuration, modification, updating, and exporting/importing processes, allowing for centralized definition and management of sequence libraries, enabling simultaneous assignment and configuration across multiple field control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sequence libraries are defined separately for each field control station, then each station has its own customized sequence library, but the engineering process becomes manual and error-prone with poor reusability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sequence library management into two levels: centralized definition at the automation engineering system level and distributed assignment to field control stations. This allows the sequence library to be defined once centrally and then assigned to multiple field control stations, eliminating manual operations while maintaining reusability across different stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the automation engineering system's sequence library management function) that bridges the gap between centralized definition and distributed use. This intermediary enables automatic assignment and synchronization of sequence libraries to field control stations, replacing manual import/export operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual import/export process is used to reuse sequence libraries, then sequence libraries can be transferred between field control systems, but the process is tedious and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the automation engineering system automatically handles the assignment and synchronization of sequence libraries to field control stations. The system performs self-verification and automatic updates, eliminating manual import/export operations that are prone to errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that automatically verify the successful assignment and synchronization of sequence libraries. The system monitors and confirms whether sequence libraries have been correctly transferred to field control stations, providing immediate feedback and enabling automatic correction of any issues.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sequence libraries are updated in each field control station separately, then each station can have customized updates, but the process is time-consuming and inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary action by allowing sequence libraries to be defined and configured in advance at the automation engineering system level before being assigned to field control stations. This preliminary definition ensures consistency and allows for bulk updates across multiple stations simultaneously, significantly improving engineering efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sequence library definition and update operations into a single centralized process. Instead of updating each field control station separately, the system combines all updates into one operation that automatically propagates to all assigned stations, maintaining customization capability while dramatically improving productivity.
4Productivity
If centralized definition of sequence libraries is implemented, then reusability and efficiency are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the automation engineering system with multi-functional capabilities that handle both the centralized definition of sequence libraries and their automatic assignment to field control stations. This universal function consolidates multiple operations into a single system capability, improving efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for engineering with sequence libraries are provided. A first set of engineering data is defined for a first engineering project to generate a first sequence library for the first engineering project, independently of one or more lower level engineering projects for configuring one or more field control systems. The sequence library assignment process is to assign the first sequence library to the one or more lower level engineering projects simultaneously to generate one or more first assigned sequence libraries for the one or more lower level engineering projects for configuring the one or more field control systems. The parallel configuration process is to perform a parallel configuration process which configures the first sequence library for the first engineering project, while assigning the first sequence library to another one or more lower level engineering projects.