Control System Cross-Device Computation Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems face challenges in determining which CPU is defective when one CPU fails, leading to unnecessary system scale increases and high costs, as they require multiple CPUs for redundancy and defect detection.
Innovation Solution
A control system with a first control device and at least two second control devices, where each device stores a control volume computation procedure and compares computed control volumes to identify and isolate defective devices, allowing the system to switch computation tasks without additional CPUs for defect detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple CPUs are used for redundancy and defect detection, then reliability is improved, but system scale and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing control devices perform multiple functions: they both execute their primary control tasks and participate in cross-device computation verification. By having control devices compute control volumes for other devices' control objects and compare results, the system achieves redundancy and defect detection without adding dedicated verification CPUs, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and system scale.
2Reliability
If multiple CPUs are provisioned for defect detection, then reliability is improved, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where control devices use their own computational resources to verify each other's computations. Each control device computes control volumes independently and compares results with other devices, enabling mutual defect detection without requiring external or additional dedicated verification resources, thus reducing the quantity of CPUs needed while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If control devices compute and compare control volumes, then defect detection is achieved, but computation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having control devices compute and store control volume data in advance before actual control execution. The control volume computation procedure pre-calculates expected control volumes for various control objects and stores them in storage units. During operation, devices only need to retrieve and compare pre-computed values rather than performing full computations in real-time, significantly reducing computation time while maintaining accurate defect detection.
Data Source
AI summary
In the control system having plural control devices that are connected to a network, and control objects different from each other, an engine control device, a meter control device, and an AT control device, which are second control devices store a control volume computation procedure for computing the control volume of a pre-determined control among controls made by the engine control device which is a first control device, therein. The engine control device compares the control volume related to the pre-determined control computed by the engine control device with the control volume related to the pre-determined control computed by the meter control device. If a comparison result is different, the engine control device again compares the control volume with the control volume related to the pre-determined control computed by the AT control device, and controls an object to be controlled by the engine control device according to the comparison result.