Test Device for Control Logic Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing monitoring control systems lack an efficient method for specifying and connecting simulation logic with control logic, leading to time-consuming and error-prone test environment construction, especially when dealing with a large number of control logics and simulations.

Innovation Solution

A test device that includes a control logic storage unit, simulation logic supplying unit, logic connecting unit, and logic connection information generating unit, which uses apparatus characteristics and management rules to specify and connect appropriate simulation logic with control logic, preventing erroneous connections and streamlining the testing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If manual connection of control logic and simulation logic is performed, then flexibility in test setup is maintained, but time consumption and error rate increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest environment setup timeVSAvoidautomatic connection of logic
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically specifying and connecting simulation logic to control logic before test execution begins. The logic connecting unit establishes these connections in advance based on logic connection information, eliminating the need for manual setup during the testing phase and significantly reducing test environment preparation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the test device to automatically connect control logic and simulation logic without human intervention. The logic connecting unit autonomously performs the connection based on predefined logic connection information, making the system self-sufficient in setting up test environments and reducing dependency on manual operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual specification of simulation logic is performed, then connection accuracy can be verified, but human error in connecting wrong logic increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection accuracyVSAvoidease of logic specification
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The logic connecting unit acts as an intermediary between control logic and simulation logic, automatically establishing connections based on logic connection information. This intermediary component eliminates direct manual interaction, thereby preventing human errors in specifying and connecting the wrong logic while maintaining high connection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the logic connecting unit uses logic connection information to verify and establish correct connections between control logic and simulation logic. This feedback loop ensures that connections are made accurately according to predefined specifications, preventing erroneous connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If comprehensive testing of all control logic is performed, then test coverage is improved, but test complexity and resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest coverageVSAvoidtest system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the testing process by dividing control logic and simulation logic into distinct, manageable units that can be connected and tested individually. The logic connecting unit establishes connections between specific segments based on logic connection information, allowing comprehensive testing of all control logic while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3206101B1Test device for monitoring control device
Publication Date: 2019.07.03 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3206101B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3206101B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3206101B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This test device for a monitoring control device includes an input/output instructing unit, a control logic executing unit, a logic connecting unit, a simulation logic executing unit, a test target indication unit, an apparatus characteristic obtaining unit, a simulation logic managing unit, and a logic connection information generating unit. Using an apparatus characteristic obtained by the apparatus characteristic obtaining unit, the simulation logic managing unit specifies a simulation logic appropriate for a control logic on the basis of a simulation logic management rule. The logic connecting unit connects the control logic and the simulation logic, by using logic connection information generated on the basis of a logic connection rule.