Controller Sensor Bus with Optical Fiber and GEM Encapsulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current machine automation networks face challenges such as high latency, low bandwidth, complex cabling, significant electromagnetic interference, high costs, and unsecured data, which hinder efficient communication of sensor data and control messages across systems, particularly in applications like self-driving cars and factory automation.

Innovation Solution

A machine automation system featuring a controller and sensor bus with a central processing core and multi-medium transmission intranet that implements a dynamic burst-to-broadcast transmission scheme, using a generic encapsulation mode (GEM) format for message transmission, enabling efficient handling of diverse data types and reducing complexity through a unified software image.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If copper cabling systems are used for network transmission, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but electromagnetic interference increases and shielding costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces copper-based electrical cabling systems with optical fiber transmission media. This substitution eliminates electromagnetic interference inherent in copper systems while maintaining high-speed data transmission capabilities. The optical fiber infrastructure allows data to be transmitted as light signals rather than electrical signals, fundamentally resolving the EMI problem while preserving speed requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transmission medium parameter from electrical conductors (copper) to optical waveguides (fiber). This parameter change transforms the physical nature of signal transmission from electrical to optical domain, thereby eliminating electromagnetic interference while maintaining or improving transmission speed and bandwidth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If multiple specialized networks are used to handle different data types, then specific performance requirements are met, but system complexity and integration difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a unified optical network infrastructure that can handle multiple data types (sensor data, control messages, video, audio) through a single transmission medium. The system uses protocol encapsulation and quality of service mechanisms to ensure reliable transmission of different data types over the same physical network, eliminating the need for separate specialized networks while maintaining reliability requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple previously separate networks (sensor networks, control networks, media networks) into a single unified optical network. By combining these functions into one infrastructure with intelligent protocol handling, the system reduces integration complexity while maintaining the reliability needed for different data types through protocol-specific processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If high-bandwidth transmission is implemented, then data throughput increases, but latency may increase due to processing overhead

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata throughputVSAvoidtransmission latency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action through protocol encapsulation at the source device, where data is packaged with necessary control information before transmission. This pre-processing allows receiving devices to efficiently extract and process data without excessive overhead, maintaining high throughput while minimizing latency through optimized packet structures and pre-configured transmission parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11089140B2Intelligent controller and sensor network bus, system and method including generic encapsulation mode
Publication Date: 2021.08.10 VULCAN TECH SHANGHAI CO LTD
  • US11089140B2 patent drawing
  • US11089140B2 patent drawing
  • US11089140B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A machine automation system for controlling and operating an automated machine. The system includes a controller and sensor bus including a central processing core and a multi-medium transmission intranet for implementing a dynamic burst to broadcast transmission scheme where messages are burst from nodes to the central processing core and broadcast from the central processing core to all of the nodes.