Shared-Memory Control Architecture for Stable Multi-Program I/O
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional distributed monitoring control systems and motion controllers are limited by the inability to flexibly change programs and integrate general-purpose appliances, leading to inefficiencies and instability in factory operations due to dedicated appliances being expensive and inflexible, and language compatibility issues between ladder and C language programs.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus with a processor unit and storage unit that allows multiple programs, including control and information programs, to access shared areas, enabling flexible program changes and integration of general-purpose appliances, while enabling C language programs to be used for purposes beyond hardware control by separating information processing from scan operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated programmable logic controllers are used for control operations, then control stability is maintained, but program flexibility and scalability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into dedicated control programs (for stability) and information programs (for flexibility). The processor unit executes control programs that perform scan operations to access I/O ports and control apparatuses, while separately executing information programs that perform non-scan information processing. This segmentation allows control stability to be maintained through dedicated scan operations while enabling program flexibility through independently executable information programs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal processor unit that can execute multiple types of programs (control programs and information programs) within a single control apparatus. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain stable control operations while simultaneously performing flexible information processing tasks, eliminating the need for separate dedicated appliances and improving scalability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple programs are executed in the same control apparatus, then program flexibility improves, but control stability may deteriorate due to interference between programs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments program execution into distinct control programs that perform scan operations and information programs that perform non-scan operations. The processor unit manages these segmented programs separately, ensuring that information programs do not interfere with the timing-critical scan operations of control programs, thereby maintaining control stability while enabling program flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a shared memory area as an intermediary between control programs and information programs. This shared area allows both program types to access common data without direct interference, with the processor unit managing access control. This intermediary mechanism enables multiple programs to coexist stably while maintaining flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If general-purpose personal computers are used instead of dedicated appliances, then cost and scalability improve, but control precision and real-time performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing functions into control programs that handle precision control operations and information programs that handle general-purpose tasks. By dedicating specific programs to control functions within the general-purpose computer, the system maintains control precision while benefiting from the scalability and cost advantages of general-purpose hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by ensuring that the control program portions of the system maintain the deterministic, real-time characteristics of dedicated control systems, while other portions can utilize the full capabilities of general-purpose computers. This localized optimization preserves control precision in critical areas while enabling scalability elsewhere.
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus that accesses at least one I/O port of one or more I/O ports coupled to one or more control object apparatuses to control operation of a control object apparatus coupled to the I/O port includes a processor unit that executes a plurality of programs, and a storage unit that stores information on the one or more I/O ports and serves as a base of one or more shared areas each of the plurality of programs can access. The plurality of programs include one or more information programs in addition to one or more control programs. Each of the one or more control programs is a program that performs a scan process to output control information on the control object apparatus coupled to the I/O port. Each of the one or more information programs is a program that performs information processing different from scan operation.