Control Module Timing Guarantees for Faster Automated Responses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secure control devices face challenges in reducing response time without relying on safe communication facilities or synchronized clocks, which are costly and effort-intensive to implement.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves configuring control modules to ensure minimum time intervals between selected events during communication, allowing for guaranteed temporal properties without the need for synchronized clocks or additional hardware, and can be implemented in software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant transmission is used to improve immunity to electromagnetic interference, then reliability is improved, but response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by transmitting a first data set before the second data set, and preliminarily evaluates the first data set. This staged approach allows the system to have the second data set ready in advance, reducing the overall response time while maintaining redundant transmission for reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its evaluation process by conditionally evaluating the first data set only if the second data set is not received within the expected time window. This dynamic behavior optimizes response time by avoiding unnecessary waiting while maintaining reliability through fallback mechanisms.
2Loss of time
If safe communication facilities and synchronized clocks are used to reduce response time, then response time is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses software-based timing mechanisms that copy the functionality of hardware synchronized clocks. By implementing time tracking and coordination through software rather than requiring specialized hardware, the system achieves the necessary temporal coordination without increasing device complexity or cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/hardware-based synchronized clock systems with software-based timing mechanisms. The control modules use software-implemented time tracking and coordination protocols to achieve the same temporal coordination that would traditionally require hardware synchronization, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Reliability
If redundant transmission is used to ensure temporal properties, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits the first data set preliminarily before the second data set, allowing the second data set to be prepared and transmitted in advance. This preliminary action reduces the effective response time while maintaining the reliability benefits of redundant transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial evaluation of the first data set immediately upon receipt, rather than waiting for complete confirmation. This partial action allows the system to respond faster while maintaining reliability through subsequent verification if the second data set arrives.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method and device for controlling an automated system. A communication channel connects a first control module (12) and a second control module (14) for the exchange of process data from the automated system. The first control module (12) generates process data at a first time t1, sends it to the second control module (14) via the communication channel, receives a response to the process data from the second control module (14), and processes it at a fourth time t4. The second control module (14) receives the process data from the first control module (12), processes it at a second time t2, generates the response at a third time t3, and sends it back to the first control module (12). The times t1, t2, t3, and t4 occur in chronological order.The first control module (12) and the second control module (14) together can guarantee a first minimum duration Δ1 between the first time t1 and the second time t2. The second control module (14) can guarantee a second minimum duration Δ2 between the second time t2 and the third time t3. The first control module (12) and the second control module (14) together can guarantee a third minimum duration Δ3 between the third time t3 and the fourth time t4.