Control Network Packet Generation for Development Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control network systems face challenges in development efficiency and communication performance due to the need for developers to understand network protocols, limited flexibility in network configuration, and increased communication processing times, especially when using existing APIs and software frameworks.
Innovation Solution
A control network system with a master apparatus that includes a packet generation information registration unit, packet generation unit, and communication unit, which allocates data areas for control commands, associates them with slave device identifiers, and generates control packets for efficient data transmission, reducing the need for protocol understanding and optimizing communication processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional API method is used where developers generate outgoing packets and store control instructions, then control functionality can be achieved, but development complexity increases and development time is extended because developers must understand network protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (the control system's packet generation mechanism) that sits between the application layer and the network protocol layer. This intermediary automatically handles packet generation and protocol conversion, shielding developers from protocol complexity while maintaining control functionality. The system translates high-level control instructions into protocol-specific packets without requiring developer intervention in protocol details.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs self-service by automatically generating control packets based on predefined templates and configuration information. The system autonomously handles packet construction, address assignment, and protocol compliance without requiring manual packet crafting by developers. This self-service mechanism reduces development complexity while maintaining full control functionality.
2Ease of operation
If communications software such as an operating system and protocol stack is used, then communication functionality is provided, but communication processing time increases and control performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential packet generation functionality from the general-purpose communications software stack and implements it as a dedicated, optimized component within the control system. By separating the time-critical packet generation task from the overhead of full OS and protocol stack processing, the system achieves faster communication while maintaining necessary communication functionality through targeted, minimalistic packet construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring packet templates, address spaces, and transmission parameters before actual control operations. This pre-preparation eliminates the need for complex runtime processing through the full protocol stack, as packets can be generated and transmitted directly using predefined structures, significantly reducing communication processing time while maintaining functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the transfer memory method is used to allocate data areas, then communication between nodes is standardized, but the number of connectable nodes is limited due to fixed data area sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic data area allocation where the size and structure of address spaces are not fixed but can be adapted to the specific requirements of each slave device. The system dynamically configures data areas based on the actual number and types of nodes connected, allowing the network to scale flexibly without being constrained by predetermined fixed-size allocations. This dynamic approach enables seamless node expansion while maintaining standardized communication protocols.
4Productivity
If developers focus on control method realization and target control performance, then control effectiveness is improved, but the need to understand network protocol details increases development time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into distinct functional layers: a high-level control application layer where developers focus on control logic and performance, and a low-level packet generation layer that handles protocol details. This segmentation allows developers to work independently on control methodology without needing to understand network protocol intricacies, as the protocol handling is separated into an automated background function. The clear separation enables parallel development and improves overall productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A control computer as a master apparatus in a control network system includes a packet generation unit. The packet generation unit: selects a control command for writing a data from among packet generation information; references the packet generation information for each of the selected control command; and includes a data for write which is read from an address in a storage section corresponding to the each control command, in a control packet to generate the control packet. A communication unit transmits the generated control packet to a controlled object as a slave device.