Data Collection Apparatus Buffer Memory Segmentation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Data collection and transfer systems face issues when network faults occur, as the data storage speed of large-capacity buffer memories is typically lower than temporary memories, leading to potential data loss due to the high cost of high-speed, large-capacity buffer memories.

Innovation Solution

A data collection and transfer apparatus with a temporary memory, a large-capacity buffer memory, a data collecting unit, a data transferring unit, a network monitoring unit, and a setting unit that adjusts data collection and transfer periods to prioritize storing essential control data in the buffer memory during network faults, ensuring minimal data loss despite lower buffer rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a large-capacity buffer memory is used to store control data during network faults, then data loss is prevented, but the data storage speed becomes lower than that of temporary memory

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata loss preventionVSAvoiddata storage speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the buffer memory into multiple regions (first buffer region, second buffer region, third buffer region) with different functions. The first buffer region stores data during normal operation, the second buffer region stores data during network faults, and the third buffer region serves as a work area. This segmentation allows the system to manage data storage efficiently despite the lower overall speed of the large-capacity buffer memory compared to temporary memory.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a high-speed, large-capacity buffer memory is used to store all control data during network faults, then data loss is prevented, but the cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata loss preventionVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements partial buffering by storing only essential control data in the large-capacity buffer memory during network faults, rather than attempting to buffer all data. The buffering-data-setting storage allows selective identification of critical data types. This partial action approach prevents data loss for important parameters while avoiding the prohibitive cost of high-speed, large-capacity buffer memory capable of handling all data streams.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Quantity of substance

If data is collected at high speed during network faults, then data completeness is improved, but the buffer memory capacity is exceeded due to lower buffer storage speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata completenessVSAvoidbuffer overflow prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic data collection during network faults based on the buffering-period-setting storage, rather than continuous high-speed collection. This periodic action adjusts the data collection rate to match the buffer storage speed capability, ensuring that data is collected systematically at sustainable intervals. This prevents buffer overflow while maintaining data completeness for critical parameters over the fault duration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

4Quantity of substance

If the collection period is shortened to increase data collection frequency, then data completeness is improved, but the processing load increases and buffer overflow risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata collection frequencyVSAvoidprocessing load
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts the collection period based on network conditions through the setting unit. During normal operation, a standard collection period is used. When network faults are detected, the collection period is dynamically changed to a longer interval suitable for buffering operations. This dynamic adjustment optimizes data collection frequency to match system capabilities, reducing processing load while maintaining adequate data completeness during faults.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9426248B2Data collection and transfer apparatus
Publication Date: 2016.08.23 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • US9426248B2 patent drawing
  • US9426248B2 patent drawing
  • US9426248B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A data collection and transfer apparatus includes: a memory; a buffer having large capacity and low data storage speed; a collecting unit collecting data and storing it in the memory; a transferring unit transferring data stored in the memory to a server; a monitoring unit monitoring a network; and a setting unit retaining storages. When fault is not detected, the collecting unit collects data specified in collection-data-setting storage with period specified in collection-period-setting storage and stores it in the memory and the transferring unit transfers data stored in the memory to the server with period specified in transfer-period-setting storage, and when fault is detected, the collecting unit collects data specified in buffer-data-setting storage with period specified in buffer-period-setting storage and stores it in the memory and data stored in the memory is stored in the buffer with period specified in the buffer-period-setting storage.