Centralized Process Sequence Checking for Control Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods of process sequence checking in control systems are inefficient due to step dependency, making modifications and expansions complicated, and they waste resources like computer memory and throughput.
Innovation Solution
A centralized method for process sequence checking that defines and verifies a sequence of steps independently, using a Process Integrity Module (PIM) and standardized service routines to report and check the status of each step, detecting sequence faults and incrementing a fault counter when errors occur, and taking remedial action when the fault count exceeds a threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sequence checking method is used where each subsystem checks steps independently based on previous step status, then sequence verification is performed, but the system complexity increases and resource usage becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sequence checking function from multiple independent subsystems into a single centralized sequence checking subsystem. This centralization consolidates the verification logic, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable sequence verification. The centralized subsystem receives step completion notifications from all other subsystems and performs unified sequence validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized sequence checking subsystem serves as a universal verification mechanism for all steps across all subsystems. Instead of each subsystem having its own dedicated checking logic, the universal centralized subsystem handles sequence verification for the entire system, improving resource efficiency and reducing redundancy.
2Reliability
If traditional sequence checking method is used with step dependencies, then sequence verification is ensured, but modification and expansion of the control system becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sequence checking function from the step execution logic. The centralized sequence checking subsystem independently validates the sequence without being coupled to the internal logic of individual steps. This segmentation allows steps to be modified, added, or removed without affecting the checking mechanism, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining verification reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized sequence checking subsystem acts as an intermediary between step execution and sequence validation. It receives notifications of step completion and independently determines whether the sequence is valid, without requiring modifications to the step execution logic itself. This intermediary role facilitates easy system modification and expansion.
3Reliability
If traditional sequence checking method is used, then step status verification is performed, but computer memory and throughput resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized sequence checking subsystem operates autonomously by receiving step completion notifications and independently performing verification. It does not require additional resources from individual subsystems to perform checking, as the checking logic is self-contained in the centralized subsystem. This self-service approach eliminates redundant resource consumption across multiple subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the sequence checking function from resource-consuming subsystem operations and places it in a dedicated centralized subsystem. This extraction allows the checking function to operate efficiently with optimized resource allocation, reducing overall system resource usage while maintaining verification reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for centralization of process sequence checking includes defining a set of steps in a sequence for a process and defining an order of steps in said set of steps. The method includes determining whether one of said steps started independently of others of said steps and determining whether one of said steps completed independently of others of said steps. The method includes determining whether the sequence started, determining whether the sequence completed, and determining whether a sequence fault occurred.