Distributed Control Network with Parallel Device Information Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distributed control systems lack real-time performance in device information collection and communication, as they primarily focus on reducing control-related communication processing load without considering parallel execution of communication tasks.
Innovation Solution
A distributed control system with a central processing device, central communication device, terminal communication devices, and an information storage device, featuring a tree-structured network with distinct communication paths for normal and device information communication, allowing parallel execution of communication tasks and real-time performance maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If device information is collected via the control-related local network in the upstream direction, then the processing load of control-related communication is reduced, but real-time performance cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication function into two separate communication paths: a control-related communication path for real-time control data and a device information communication path for collecting device information. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized independently, maintaining real-time performance in control communication while efficiently collecting device information without interfering with control operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dedicated device information communication path as an intermediary channel between terminal communication devices and the information storage device. This intermediary path handles device information traffic separately, preventing it from interfering with the real-time control-related communication and thus maintaining real-time performance while enabling efficient information collection.
2Productivity
If control boards are modularized and arranged in a distributed manner, then efficiency of device design, manufacturing, and maintenance is improved, but device information collection and aggregation mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal device information communication path that can be used by all terminal communication devices in the distributed system. This multi-functional path serves both real-time control information transmission and device information collection, simplifying the overall communication architecture while supporting the modularized distributed control board arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the communication architecture by introducing a separate device information communication path that operates parallel to the control-related communication path. This dimensional addition allows the system to handle both real-time control and information collection requirements without increasing the complexity of existing control communication.
3Device complexity
If a single communication path is used for both control and device information, then device complexity is reduced, but real-time performance deteriorates due to communication conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication infrastructure into two distinct communication paths: one dedicated to real-time control-related communication and another dedicated to device information collection. This segmentation eliminates communication conflicts between different types of data traffic while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dedicated device information communication path as an intermediary channel that handles device information traffic separately from control traffic. This intermediary path prevents communication conflicts and ensures real-time performance is maintained in control operations while enabling efficient device information collection.
Data Source
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AI summary
In the present invention, device information is collected while real-time performance and high-speed performance of control-related normal communication are maintained. The distributed control system has: a central processing device; a central communication device 11; multiple terminal communication devices 12 each having at least one controlled device connected thereto; an information storage device 15; and a network having a tree structure comprising multiple communication paths between the central communication device and the terminal communication devices, between the terminal communication devices, and between the terminal communication devices and the information storage device. The central communication device is provided with a normal communication port. The terminal communication devices are each provided with an upstream-side communication port 120 and a downstream-side communication port 121. The information storage device is provided with a device information communication port 150. The network is provided with: a first communication path for connecting the upstream-side communication port of a terminal communication device with the downstream-side communication port of a terminal communication device and for connecting the upstream-side communication port of a terminal communication device with the normal communication port of the central communication device; and a second communication path for connecting between the downstream-side communication ports of terminal communication devices positioned at edges of the network and for connecting the downstream-side communication ports of the terminal communication devices with the device information communication port of the information storage device.