Modular Control System Resource View for Thin Client State Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modular access control systems face challenges in managing multiple devices and configuring controllers and peripherals, leading to complexities such as misconfiguration, compatibility issues, and resource management inefficiencies, particularly in large-scale systems where hardware and logical implementations are not separated.

Innovation Solution

The system introduces a method where controllers in a distributed access control system define primary and logging resources, enabling thin clients to view state and event information without storing it, and allowing logging resources to manage historical data, thereby reducing computational load and improving configuration management by separating logical and hardware implementations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If thin clients store state and event information locally, then access to historical data is improved, but computing resources and storage capacity are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to historical dataVSAvoidcomputing resources and storage capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the storage function from thin clients and centralizes it in logging resources. Thin clients no longer store state and event information locally, instead accessing historical data through logging resources that specialize in data retention. This separation eliminates the need for thin clients to maintain storage capacity while preserving full access to historical information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Logging resources serve multiple functions: they store state information, maintain event logs, and provide historical data access to multiple thin clients simultaneously. This universal resource eliminates redundant storage across multiple clients and optimizes computing resource utilization system-wide.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If controllers manage both hardware control and data storage, then system functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidcontroller complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments controller functions into distinct components: primary resources handle hardware control operations while logging resources manage data storage and historical information. This functional segmentation reduces controller complexity by separating control logic from data management responsibilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Logging resources act as intermediaries between thin clients and primary resources. They mediate data access requests, allowing thin clients to retrieve historical state and event information without direct interaction with control hardware, thereby simplifying the controller's operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If thin clients handle both viewing and storing information, then data accessibility is improved, but configuration management becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accessibilityVSAvoidconfiguration management
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the storage configuration from thin clients and consolidates it in logging resources. Thin clients are configured only for data viewing and access, while logging resources are configured for data retention and management. This separation simplifies configuration management by eliminating redundant storage configurations across multiple clients.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3846030B1Resource view in a modular control system
Publication Date: 2022.05.11 AXIS
  • EP3846030B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3846030B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3846030B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A method may include receiving a request to define a primary resource. The primary resource may enable access to a primary handler that corresponds to a logical entity that controls a device or a port or another resource. The method may include identifying a primary domain object for the primary resource. The primary domain object maps the primary resource to the primary handler. The primary domain object represents a state of the primary resource. The method may include identifying an interface for the primary resource. The interface may be configured to receive a command through a link from a client. The method may include receiving a state request associated with the interface for the primary resource, wherein the primary domain object handler is configured to send a state message indicating the state of the primary resource in response to the request.