Virtualized Control Device Hardware Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In control systems for appliances like valves in plants, managing hardware updates for Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), PCs for tools, and controllers while maintaining existing functions and allocating hardware for guest Operating Systems (OS) is a challenge.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a host OS, virtual machine, guest OS, guest process unit, and controller process unit is implemented, where the virtual machine runs on the host OS, and the guest OS operates on it, allowing for hardware allocation and management through hardware allocation data, enabling efficient integration and updating of external devices like HMI and controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If server virtualization is applied to integrate multiple devices into one computer, then facility introduction cost and operating cost are reduced, but hardware allocation management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments hardware resources into distinct portions allocated to different guest OSs through virtualization. Each guest OS receives a specific hardware portion (CPU, memory, storage) that is isolated from other guests, enabling independent management and updating while maintaining overall system integration. This segmentation resolves the complexity by providing clear, discrete allocation boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a host OS as an intermediary layer between physical hardware and multiple guest OSs. The host OS manages hardware allocation to various virtual machines, providing a centralized control mechanism that simplifies hardware allocation management. This intermediary abstracts the complexity from individual guests while enabling cost reduction through shared hardware resources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hardware is updated in the control system, then system functionality is improved, but maintaining existing functions becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments control functions into separate guest OSs, each running independent control processes. When hardware is updated, only the specific guest OS requiring the update needs to be restarted, while other guests continue operating. This segmentation maintains existing functions in unaffected guests while enabling updates in targeted guests, thus improving adaptability without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic hardware allocation where hardware resources can be dynamically assigned to different guest OSs based on operational needs. The host OS can dynamically allocate hardware portions to various virtual machines, allowing flexible adaptation to new hardware configurations while maintaining stable operation of existing control functions through isolated guest environments.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple devices are integrated into one computer through virtualization, then cost is reduced, but hardware allocation data management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The host OS serves as an intermediary that centrally manages and stores hardware allocation data for all guest OSs. This centralized management ensures that hardware allocation information is maintained systematically, reducing the complexity of tracking multiple devices. The host OS mediates between hardware resources and guest OS requirements, ensuring accurate and consistent data management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal hardware allocation mechanism where the host OS manages hardware portions for multiple different guest OSs using a unified approach. This universal management system handles diverse hardware allocation requirements through a single consistent framework, reducing information loss and simplifying data management across integrated devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device according to an embodiment includes hardware. The hardware includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores a host operating system (OS), a virtual machine, a guest OS, a guest process, and a controller process. The virtual machine is implemented on the host OS. The guest OS operates on the virtual machine. The guest process unit is operated by the guest OS, and executes control processing for an external appliance to be controlled using the hardware that is allocated to the guest OS in accordance with hardware allocation data indicating hardware to be allocated to each of the host OS and the guest OS. The controller process unit is operated by the host OS, and executes control processing for the appliance to be controlled using the hardware that is allocated to the host OS in accordance with the hardware allocation data.