Device-Specific Wait Time Tuning for Industrial Automation Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial automation networks face performance limitations due to a one-size-fits-all wait time approach, which becomes cumbersome in larger networks with varied device response times, leading to increased aggregate wait times and adverse effects on startup and throughput.
Innovation Solution
A self-tuning network system that stores and utilizes the unique operating characteristics of each device to tailor communication parameters, such as response times and message formats, allowing for customized communication protocols based on the specific devices involved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a one-size-fits-all wait time is used for all network devices, then communication protocol simplicity is maintained, but network performance deteriorates in larger networks with varied device response times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning individualized wait times to each network device based on their specific operating characteristics and response times. Instead of using a uniform wait time for all devices, the system determines and applies device-specific wait times that optimize communication performance for each individual device, thereby resolving the contradiction between protocol simplicity and network throughput in varied device environments
2Ease of manufacture
If a one-size-fits-all wait time is used, then protocol implementation is simplified, but aggregate wait time increases in larger networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the wait time parameter adaptive and device-specific rather than static and uniform. The system dynamically determines appropriate wait times for each device based on their operating characteristics, allowing the communication protocol to adapt to varying network conditions and device responses, thereby reducing aggregate wait time while maintaining implementation feasibility through automated characterstic determination
3Productivity
If wait time is reduced to accommodate faster network devices, then productivity improves, but reliability decreases for slower or faulty devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the wait time parameter individually for each device based on their specific operating characteristics. The system determines appropriate wait time parameters that are optimized for each device's response capabilities, allowing faster devices to operate at higher speeds while ensuring that slower or faulty devices still receive adequate wait times for reliable message delivery, thus balancing productivity and reliability through customized parameter settings
Data Source
AI summary
Each device in an industrial automation system network or other network may have its own associated one or more performance characteristics, such as response time and/or reset time of the network device. Data may be stored representing a plurality of performance characteristics each associated with a different one of a plurality of devices in the network including a first device and a second device. The stored data may be retrieved, representing the performance characteristic of the second device. The first device may communicate over the network with the second device in accordance with the performance characteristic of the second device.