Host Controller Orchestration for Shared Database Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional process control systems with a controller HIVE arrangement face inefficiencies due to unnecessary network synchronization traffic and redundant database updates, where a single event triggers broadcast messages from all host controllers, and multiple events result in each host controller retransmitting the same information, leading to increased processing overhead.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a single online orchestrator program that coordinates a shared database across multiple host controllers, where only the master controller broadcasts updates, and host controllers dynamically adjust control programs' locations based on resource availability and user commands, reducing redundant messages and enhancing synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all host controllers broadcast database update messages when detecting external events, then database synchronization is achieved across the controller HIVE, but network traffic and processing overhead increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coordinator host controller as an intermediary that centralizes the database update message generation. Instead of all host controllers broadcasting updates independently, the coordinator single-handedly generates and broadcasts update messages to other host controllers, thereby reducing redundant network traffic while maintaining database synchronization across the controller HIVE
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the database update message generation function into a single coordinator host controller. Multiple host controllers that would otherwise independently generate updates are consolidated into one entity, eliminating duplicate messages and reducing overall network traffic while preserving the synchronization function
2Reliability
If multiple host controllers independently broadcast database updates upon detecting events, then each controller maintains its own synchronization, but redundant messages are generated and processed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the database update message generation function from all host controllers and concentrates it solely in the coordinator host controller. This separation removes the complexity of multiple controllers independently generating and processing updates, while the coordinator ensures all other controllers receive necessary synchronization messages
3Productivity
If host controllers dynamically reposition control programs based on resource availability, then computational utilization is improved, but coordination and synchronization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the coordinator host controller as an intermediary to manage the dynamic repositioning of control programs. The coordinator monitors resource availability across the controller HIVE and orchestrates program migration decisions, simplifying the coordination complexity by centralizing control while still enabling dynamic resource optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control program repositioning where control programs can be moved between host controllers based on real-time resource availability. The system transitions from static program assignment to dynamic allocation, allowing the controller HIVE to optimize computational utilization while the coordinator manages the complexity of these dynamic changes
Data Source
AI summary
A method of process control in a PCS. The PCS provides host controllers coupled together, I/O devices, field devices, and processing equipment, configured together to run a process, the plurality of host controllers having stored a single online orchestrator program for coordinating a shared and synchronized database for the host controllers, wherein the online orchestrator program uses and tracks currently available host controllers and selected control programs for controlling the process. The PCS also includes an offline orchestrator. The orchestrator is run on the currently available host controllers that shares and synchronizes the initial shared database version to the currently available host controllers. A selected host controller responsive to an event broadcasts updated shared database version to the currently available host controllers. The offline orchestrator accepts commands relating to a deployment/undeployment of control program(s) among the currently running host controllers in response to changing requirement(s) by the control programs or an outside environment.