Controller Communication via Variable Transmission Intervals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing apparatuses face inefficiencies in controlling hardware due to the lack of a dynamic communication method for varying transmission intervals of control information, leading to increased traffic and complex circuit configurations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a general-purpose communication path between two controllers, where each transmits control information with varying intervals based on the type of information, using shared register maps to synchronize data while prioritizing high-priority information for frequent updates, thereby reducing traffic and simplifying circuit configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If control information is transmitted frequently to ensure real-time hardware control, then control responsiveness is improved, but communication traffic increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transmission interval variable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically adjusts the transmission interval based on the priority level of control information, transmitting high-priority information frequently while reducing transmissions for low-priority information. This resolves the contradiction by adapting the transmission rate to actual control needs rather than using a constant high rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of transmission interval based on information priority. By categorizing control information into different priority levels and assigning different transmission intervals to each level, the system optimizes communication traffic while maintaining necessary control responsiveness for critical operations.
2Reliability
If separate communication paths are used for different control information types, then information transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single general-purpose communication path that handles all types of control information. Instead of creating dedicated communication paths for different control information types, the system uses one multi-functional path with priority-based scheduling, thereby maintaining reliable transmission without increasing circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a priority level mechanism as an intermediary that mediates between different control information types and the single communication path. This intermediary system manages the transmission queue and timing, ensuring reliable delivery of high-priority information while preventing communication path conflicts, all without requiring separate physical paths.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a first controller and a second controller. The first controller performs processing dependent on hardware having a function. The second controller is connected to the first controller via a general-purpose communication path and performs processing not dependent on the hardware. Each of the first controller and the second controller transmits control information used for controlling the hardware to a counterpart controller of the first controller or the second controller via the communication path while varying a transmission interval in accordance with a type of the control information.