Valve Control Device Software Interface Abstraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve control devices require direct hardware-level programming, making them inflexible and difficult to use with different functional units, such as various actuator units, as they need specific hardware-related instructions for control.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a device driver with a software interface that allows application programs to interact with functional units via a remote procedure call, enabling hardware-neutral operation and compatibility with multiple functional units by abstracting hardware-level differences through a device driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct hardware-level programming is used to control functional units, then control precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a device driver as an intermediary software layer between the application program and the functional unit hardware. This device driver provides a standardized interface that translates generic control commands into hardware-specific instructions, allowing precise hardware control while maintaining software portability and adaptability across different functional units
2Measurement precision
If hardware-specific control instructions are implemented, then control accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device driver serves as a mediator that shields the user from hardware complexity. Application programs interact with the device driver through simple, standardized commands, while the device driver handles the complex hardware-specific instructions, thereby maintaining control accuracy without requiring users to understand hardware details
3Productivity
If direct hardware access is provided to application programs, then productivity is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device driver provides an efficient intermediary interface that maintains high productivity by allowing application programs to control functional units through simple standardized commands. The complexity of hardware interaction is encapsulated within the device driver, preventing system-wide complexity while preserving operational efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A valve control device, which is designed as a valve control head and/or as a valve position regulator head, for controlling a valve drive and/or a fitting. The valve control device includes a control unit for interacting with a functional unit, which is designed as an actuator unit, sensor unit, signal unit and/or communication unit, wherein the control unit has a device driver for interacting with the functional unit, wherein the device driver provides a software interface, which can be addressed by an application program which can be run on the control unit and/or a remote procedure call, in order to effect an interaction with the functional unit.