Virtual Data Format for Rapid Module Integration in Control Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engineering devices require significant human and temporal costs to construct complex data formats for various modules in a control system, leading to delays in installing and using new modules due to varying acquisition timings of definition data.
Innovation Solution
An engineering device that stores a virtual data format commonly used by modules, allowing for rapid generation of object data by securing storage areas and writing entries based on definition data, regardless of the module type, thereby reducing the time needed for module integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a data format is constructed in the database for each module type, then the module can be properly installed and used in the control system, but significant human and temporal costs are required for constructing the data format
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-constructs a virtual data format in the database before module installation. This virtual data format serves as a template that can be quickly instantiated for different module types, eliminating the need to construct data formats from scratch during installation and significantly reducing the time required for module integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual data format that can be copied and instantiated for multiple module types. Instead of manually constructing unique data formats for each module, the system copies the virtual data format structure and adapts it to different module requirements, reducing both time and human resources required for data format construction
2Ease of manufacture
If definition data is acquired before product shipment, then data format construction can be completed in advance, but many modules with short time differences cannot have their data formats constructed before shipment
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual data format is prepared in advance in the database, allowing the system to quickly generate required data formats even when definition data is acquired close to the product shipment date. This preliminary preparation of the data format structure enables rapid adaptation to modules with short development cycles
3Productivity
If a virtual data format is stored and reused for different module types, then the time for data format construction is reduced, but the system must handle both virtual and individual data formats
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual data format serves multiple functions by acting as a universal template that can be instantiated for different module types. This multi-functional approach increases productivity by reusing the same data format structure across various modules while managing complexity through a standardized virtual format that handles diverse module requirements
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided an engineering device includes: a storage unit configured to store a virtual data format which is commonly used by a first type of module in which definition data for defining a module installed in a control system is provided as data of a predetermined common format; and an object data generating unit configured to secure a storage area in which details of the virtual data format are reflected in the storage unit on the basis of the virtual data format when an installed module is the first type of module, to write entries indicated by the definition data according to the data format indicated by the definition data of the installed module to the secured storage area, and to write a module name of the installed module to the secured storage area to generate object data.