Shared-Memory PLC Control for Real-Time Program Updates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional distributed monitoring control systems are expensive and inflexible due to their manufacturer-specific, dedicated appliance design, and existing technologies do not allow for seamless integration of general-purpose appliances, which limits scalability and functionality, particularly in controlling industrial processes where delays can lead to unstable operations.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus that coexists with both control programs and information programs on the same platform, allowing for flexible program changes such as addition, deletion, or update without stopping the control program or delaying scan operations, using a shared area for information exchange and resource management to ensure real-time processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated appliances are used for control systems, then control reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines control programs and information programs on the same platform (programmable logic controller), merging previously separate dedicated control systems with information processing systems. This integration allows general-purpose appliances to perform both control and information processing functions, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining control reliability through proper program separation and execution management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the programmable logic controller to execute multiple types of programs (control programs and information programs) on the same platform, making it a universal device that can handle both real-time control tasks and general information processing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated control appliances and general-purpose computers, reducing overall system complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If dedicated appliances are used for control systems, then control stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments programs into control programs (requiring real-time execution and high stability) and information programs (allowing flexible changes). This segmentation allows control programs to maintain stable execution on the same platform while information programs can be freely added, deleted, or updated, providing adaptability without compromising control stability.
Solution Approach 2:
By making the programmable logic controller a universal platform that accepts both control and information programs, the system gains adaptability to perform various functions while maintaining control stability through the prioritized execution of control programs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If program changes are made in control systems, then functionality is improved, but control performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into control programs that maintain real-time performance and information programs that provide functional flexibility. Control programs continue to execute with high priority and deterministic timing, while information programs can be changed freely without affecting control performance, as they run with lower priority or during idle cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic program management where the controller can load, unload, and update information programs during operation without stopping control programs. This dynamic capability allows functionality to be changed on-the-fly while control performance is maintained through priority-based execution and proper resource management.
4Ease of manufacture
If general-purpose appliances are used, then cost is reduced, but control reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges control functions and information processing functions into a single general-purpose programmable logic controller platform. This allows the use of cost-effective general-purpose appliances instead of expensive dedicated control systems, while maintaining control reliability through software-based program separation and execution prioritization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the general-purpose appliance by implementing a program execution management system that allocates CPU time, memory, and I/O resources differently for control programs versus information programs. This parameter management ensures that control programs receive sufficient resources to maintain reliability while the general-purpose platform provides cost benefits.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A control apparatus where control programs and information programs coexist is allowed to change programs flexibly. Not only one or more control programs but also one or more information programs are installed in the control apparatus, which is provided with a shared area. The shared area is an area that at least one control program and at least one information program can access. Shared information is stored in the shared area. The shared information includes at least one of information related to an I/O port accessed by the control programs, and information related to the control program. Each control program is a program that performs scan operation of outputting control information on the relevant control object apparatus coupled to the I/O port accessed for controlling a control object apparatus with respect to the control program, to this I/O port. Each information program is a program that performs information processing that does not include the scan operation.