Spinning Mill Controller Container Updates for Stable Machine Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine controllers in spinning mills face challenges in simplifying the updating process, particularly when adapting to new operating systems or releasing updates, due to the inter-dependencies of application programs and the difficulty in assessing the effects of modifications.
Innovation Solution
A machine controller architecture utilizing container-based services, where each service is encapsulated in a container image, allowing for independent updates and automated management through a container daemon, enabling seamless integration with various operating systems, including UNIX, Linux, and Windows, and supporting service-oriented and event-driven architectures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If application programs are updated manually to improve control functions, then the control capability is improved, but the updating process becomes complex and time-consuming due to inter-dependencies of functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the application program into multiple independent modules, each encapsulating specific functions. These modules can be updated independently without affecting other parts of the system, thereby reducing updating time and complexity while maintaining improved control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a module management unit as an intermediary that handles module loading, unloading, and updating. This mediator abstracts the complexity of inter-dependencies, allowing modules to be updated independently while the management unit ensures proper integration and coordination.
2Reliability
If manual updating is performed to assess modification effects, then system stability is maintained, but productivity and response time for updates are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by validating and testing modules before they are loaded into the system. The module management unit checks module compatibility and integrity in advance, ensuring system stability is maintained while enabling faster update deployment without manual assessment delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service updating through automated module validation, loading, and integration processes. The module management unit automatically assesses modification effects and manages updates without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining system stability while significantly improving update productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the application program is updated frequently to improve control functions, then adaptability is improved, but the complexity of managing inter-dependent functions increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the application program into independent modules, the patent reduces program management complexity. Each module can be developed, updated, and managed separately, allowing frequent updates to improve control function adaptability without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The module management unit provides universal functions for managing all modules, including loading, unloading, updating, and validation. This multi-functional manager simplifies the complexity of managing multiple inter-dependent functions by providing a unified interface and consistent management mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine controller for operation of a spinning mill machine includes a storage of an operating system code, container daemon code, and a plurality of container images. A processor section performs the following: provide a running operating system based on the operating system code; provide a running container daemon based on the container daemon code; and provide running containers based on the plurality of container images. The running operating system includes access functions for accessing the machine of the spinning mill and each one of a set of the running containers provides a service for controlling operation of the spinning mill machine. The running container daemon concurrently interfaces services of the running containers with access functions of the running operating system. The machine controller further includes an update service that updates the container images of the machine controller.