Weakly-Typed Dataflow Infrastructure for Configurable Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional interface devices in industrial automation and other fields require manual conversion of data types between objects, leading to design complexity and processing overhead, as they often force specific type compatibility and reject other connection types, making it difficult to create flexible and adaptable interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A weakly-typed dataflow infrastructure with standalone, configurable connections allows different types of device elements to interoperate by converting input and output types dynamically, enabling connections between disparate elements without the need for manual type conversion, using a framework that includes a run-time environment for interaction and a design-time environment for configuration, facilitating dynamic manipulation and configuration of interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual type conversion is implemented in conventional interface devices, then type compatibility is ensured, but design complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a type converter as an intermediary component that automatically converts data types between connected objects. This mediator handles type incompatibility issues without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining type compatibility while reducing design complexity. The converter is configured through a configuration file rather than hard-coded, further simplifying the design process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic type conversion where the interface device itself performs the conversion operations without external manual intervention. The type converter automatically detects incompatible data types and performs the necessary conversions, making the system self-sufficient in handling type compatibility issues and reducing the burden on designers.
2Reliability
If manual type conversion is implemented in conventional interface devices, then type compatibility is ensured, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs type conversion in advance through automatic conversion mechanisms configured beforehand. The type converter is pre-configured with conversion rules and parameters, allowing it to automatically handle type conversions as data flows through the system, thereby reducing real-time processing overhead while ensuring type compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The type converter acts as an intermediary that handles conversion operations efficiently. By centralizing the conversion logic in a dedicated component rather than scattering it throughout the system, the patent reduces overall processing overhead while maintaining reliable type compatibility between different objects.
3Reliability
If specific type compatibility is forced in conventional systems, then type safety is maintained, but adaptability and flexibility decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of type compatibility from a fixed, hard-coded constraint to a configurable parameter. The type converter can be configured through configuration files to handle various data type conversions, allowing the system to adapt to different type requirements while maintaining type safety. This makes the system versatile and adaptable to changing requirements without compromising type reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, hard-coded type compatibility rules to dynamic, configurable conversion rules. The type converter can be dynamically configured to handle different data types and conversion scenarios, enabling the system to adapt flexibly to new objects and connections while maintaining type safety through automated conversion processes.
4Reliability
If manual type conversion is required, then type compatibility is controlled, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic type conversion without requiring manual intervention from operators or designers. The type converter automatically detects type incompatibilities and performs the necessary conversions, making the system easy to operate while maintaining type compatibility. This eliminates the need for users to manually configure type conversions for each connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The type converter serves as an intermediary that automatically handles type compatibility issues, shielding users from the complexity of type conversions. Users can connect objects without worrying about type compatibility, as the converter automatically manages the conversions in the background, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining type reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an industrial automation device having a visual component is provided that includes a user viewable screen displaying a visual representation of a first object, wherein the first object comprises a plurality of properties, connections, and text associated with the object, second object, wherein the second object comprises a plurality of properties, connections, and text, and wherein the output from the first object is coupled to the second object via a connection, wherein the output of the first object is converted from a first type to a second type. A method is also provided that includes receiving a signal into a first object, outputting data from the first object, wherein the data has a first type, converting the data into a second type, and receiving the data into a second object.