Coordinated Edge Data Processing Flow Across Factory Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing distributed processing systems in the edge area of factory automation lack the ability to coordinate multiple data processing devices for executing a series of data processing tasks, leading to inefficiencies in real-time data processing and communication.

Innovation Solution

A data processing device with a coordination processor and execution controller that allows for data collection, processing, and transmission between devices according to predetermined setting information, enabling coordinated execution of data processing flows across multiple devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple data processing devices are used for distributed processing, then processing capacity is improved, but coordination capability between devices deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata processing capacityVSAvoidcoordination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a coordination processor as an intermediary component that mediates data exchange and task coordination between multiple data processing devices. This mediator manages the complexity of inter-device communication by providing standardized interfaces and protocols, allowing devices to work together without direct complex point-to-point coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the data processing flow into discrete tasks that can be distributed across multiple devices. Each device handles specific segments of the processing workflow, with the coordination processor managing task allocation and data flow between segments. This segmentation reduces overall coordination complexity by breaking down the system into manageable independent units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If data is transmitted between multiple devices, then distributed processing capability is improved, but data transmission time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistributed processing capabilityVSAvoiddata transmission time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The coordination processor performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing data transmission pathways and protocols between devices before actual data processing begins. This includes pre-configuring communication channels and buffering mechanisms, so that when data needs to be transmitted, the pathway is already prepared and transmission can occur with minimal delay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous data flow between devices through buffered transmission and overlapping processing operations. While one device is processing data, another is preparing the next data packet for transmission, ensuring continuous useful action without idle transmission delays. The coordination processor manages this continuous flow by coordinating timing and buffering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If coordination control is implemented across multiple devices, then execution coordination is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexecution coordinationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the coordination functions into a dedicated coordination processor that is integrated with each data processing device. This consolidation combines task management, data routing, and synchronization functions into a single coordinated unit, improving execution coordination while containing complexity within modular boundaries rather than distributing it across the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coordination processor is designed as a universal component that handles multiple functions including task allocation, data routing, error handling, and synchronization. This multi-functional design reduces overall system complexity by using a standardized coordination mechanism across all devices rather than implementing separate specialized coordination systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11474876B2Data processing device including a data collector to collect data and output information relating to a result of execution of a data processing flow, data processing system, data processing method, and program

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

A data processing device (10), which is connectable to another data processing device (20), includes a data collector (150) to collect data from a machine (31, 32), a data processor (120) to process input data, a coordination processor (160) to provide the data collector (150) or the data processor (120) with data transmitted from the another data processing device (20) and provide the another data processing device (20) with the data collected by the data collector (150) or the data processed by the data processor (120), and an execution controller (130) to control collection of data by the data collector (150), processing of data by the data processor (120), and transmission and reception of data to and from the another data processing device (20) by the coordination processor (160) in accordance with predetermined setting information for a data processing flow.