Controller Collaboration Between Real and Virtual Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack an efficient method for simulating the operation of a system partially replaced with a virtual machine, leading to challenges in processing and control when transitioning between real and virtual components.
Innovation Solution
A controller system that allows for easy simulation of system operations by using virtual controllers to manage virtual machines, which communicate and interact with real machine controllers through a network, enabling modified processing to accommodate both real and virtual components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a system partially replaces real machines with virtual machines for simulation purposes, then simulation capability is improved, but system complexity increases due to managing both real and virtual components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual machines that are copies of real machines, allowing simulation without physical presence. The virtual machine unit generates virtual machine information that replicates the operational characteristics of real machines, enabling simulation while reducing the need for physical hardware in certain scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that manages both real machines and virtual machines. It determines whether to allocate real or virtual machines based on work requirements, and the virtual machine information serves as an intermediary representation that enables simulation functionality while maintaining a unified control interface
2Adaptability or versatility
If the controller manages both real and virtual machines, then simulation functionality is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is segmented into distinct functional units: a determination unit that decides whether to allocate real or virtual machines, and a virtual machine information generation unit that creates virtual machine representations. This segmentation allows each unit to handle specific tasks independently, reducing overall processing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts between real and virtual machine allocation based on work requirements. The determination unit evaluates each work item and decides in real-time whether to use real or virtual machines, allowing the system to optimize processing complexity for each specific task rather than maintaining fixed complexity for all operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If virtual machines are used to simulate real machine operations, then system flexibility is improved, but control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed with universal functionality to manage both real machines and virtual machines through a unified interface. The determination unit and virtual machine information generation unit enable the controller to perform multiple functions (managing real hardware and simulating virtual hardware) without requiring separate control mechanisms, thereby maintaining ease of operation despite increased flexibility
Data Source
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AI summary
A controller communicable with a second controller includes: a processing unit configured to execute a processing to operate a first machine in collaboration with a second machine controlled by the second controller in a real space; and a determination unit configured to determine whether the second controller controls the second machine that operates in the real space or controls a virtual second machine that simulates operations of the second machine in a virtual space, wherein the processing unit is configured to: modify the processing in response to the determination unit determining that, instead of controlling the second machine, the second controller controls the virtual second machine; and execute the modified processing to operate the first machine in the real space in collaboration with the virtual second machine that operates in the virtual space.