Shared-Variable Control Architecture for Mixed Program Execution

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Solution Overview

Problem

In control systems where multiple types of programs in different executable forms are used to control multiple controlled objects, there is a lack of efficient configuration for sharing variables between programs, leading to increased user burden in creating programs for data communication between different control devices.

Innovation Solution

A control device configuration where one processing unit retains a shared variable, allowing another processing unit to access it, reducing the need for additional programs to manage data exchange between different executable form programs executed within a single control device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If control calculations are performed by different control devices using multiple types of programs, then the controlled objects can be controlled according to different program types, but communication processing for variable access between control devices is required, increasing program creation burden

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to execute multiple program typesVSAvoidprogram creation burden

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple processing units (first processing unit for first executable form programs and second processing unit for second executable form programs) into a single control device. This merging eliminates the need for inter-device communication processing while maintaining the ability to execute different program types, thereby reducing program creation burden.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control device is designed with multi-functional processing units that can handle different executable form programs (compiled and uncompiled) within the same device. The first and second processing units can respectively execute different program types and share variables, providing universal control capability without requiring separate dedicated devices for each program type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If control calculations are performed by a single control device with multiple program types, then device consolidation is achieved, but no specific configuration for variable exchange between programs exists, leaving user burden insufficiently reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of control devicesVSAvoidvariable management ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where one processing unit retains variables that can be accessed by other processing units. This intermediary variable retention configuration enables seamless data exchange between different program types without requiring complex communication protocols, thereby improving variable management ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If variables are retained on one program side only, then variable management is simplified, but other programs must access variables via the retaining program, requiring communication processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariable management simplicityVSAvoidvariable access processing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Since all processing units are merged within a single control device, variable access between programs does not require external communication processing. The variable retention by one processing unit and access by others is handled internally through the unified control device architecture, eliminating the need for inter-device communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12117788B2Control device with second processing unit that accesses variable via first processing unit

Publication Date: 2024.10.15 OMRON CORP

AI summary

A control device includes a first processing unit and a second processing unit. One processing unit of the first processing unit and the second processing unit is configured to retain a predetermined variable available in both a calculation by the first processing unit and a calculation by the second processing unit, and the other processing unit of the first processing unit and the second processing unit is configured to access the predetermined variable via the one processing unit.