Dual-Interface Process Control for Faster Safety Data Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
In safety-related systems, cross-communication is necessary for data synchronization between control devices to detect errors, but this process consumes additional processor time and extends system response time due to asynchronous operation and input data discrepancies.
Innovation Solution
Control devices operate with two interfaces in parallel to receive and compare input data streams simultaneously, eliminating the need for cross-communication synchronization before further processing by the safety-related protocol stack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cross-communication is used for data synchronization between control devices, then error detection capability is improved, but system response time increases and processor time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having control devices read and store input data in their local memory before the cross-communication synchronization process begins. This preliminary reading action allows the data to be ready for immediate comparison once synchronization occurs, eliminating the need to wait for data transmission during the comparison phase, thus reducing overall system response time while maintaining error detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data synchronization process into distinct phases: local data reading, data storage in local memory, and subsequent comparison after synchronization. By dividing the process into these segments, the system can perform operations in parallel (reading local data while waiting for synchronization) rather than sequentially, reducing processor time consumption and improving response time
2Reliability
If cross-communication is used for data synchronization, then data consistency between control devices is improved, but processor time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having each control device read and store its own input data in its local memory without requiring assistance from other control devices. This self-service approach allows each device to prepare its data independently, reducing the processor time burden on the system during the synchronization process while ensuring data consistency through subsequent comparison
Solution Approach 2:
By performing the data reading and storage action preliminarily (before synchronization), the patent reduces the processor time required during the actual synchronization and comparison phases. The preliminary action of storing data in local memory creates a ready-state that minimizes active processing time during critical synchronization operations
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling a process having a first control device for processing first data, and a first communication interface of a first communication unit designed for receiving the first data, and a second control device for processing second data, and a second communication interface of a second communication unit, designed for receiving the second data. The first communication unit comprises a third communication interface and the second communication unit comprises a fourth communication interface. The third communication interface is connected to the second communication interface and the first processor processes or compares the second data received by the third communication interface with the first data received by the first communication interface. The fourth communication interface is connected to the first communication interface, and the second processor processes or compares the second data received by the second communication interface with the first data received by the fourth communication interface.