Network Device Normalization for Process Control Failure Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In complex networked process control systems, identifying the location and cause of failures is challenging due to non-uniform information coding systems and insufficient route information, leading to potential undetected failures and erroneous control based on incorrect process values.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a network device with higher-level and lower-level layer connecting detectors, a device state detector, normalization unit, and communication unit in network switches and field devices, which detect and normalize connection and device state information, enabling easy identification of failure locations and causes, and facilitating efficient management and repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If field devices and controllers are connected via a complex network with multiple switches and devices from various vendors, then the system functionality and scalability are improved, but the difficulty of identifying failure locations and causes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where detection results (connection status, device state) are continuously collected from network devices and field devices, normalized, and fed back to the upper managing apparatus. This feedback loop enables real-time monitoring and automatic identification of failure locations, resolving the contradiction by making the complex system self-diagnosing without reducing its functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary normalization unit that standardizes detection results from various vendors' devices into a unified format. This intermediary layer mediates between the diverse network devices and the managing apparatus, enabling failure identification across the complex multi-vendor network without compromising system adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-uniform information coding systems are used across devices from various vendors, then the system's compatibility with different vendors' devices is improved, but the complexity of managing and deciphering failure information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by normalizing diverse information coding systems from different vendors into a unified standard format. The normalization unit converts vendor-specific detection results into a common structure, reducing information management complexity while maintaining compatibility with various vendors' devices through the conversion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal information format that can handle detection results from any vendor's device. The normalization unit serves as a multi-functional interface that adapts to different coding systems and outputs a standardized format, enabling the upper managing apparatus to manage all devices uniformly without vendor-specific complexity.
3Device complexity
If sufficient route information is not transmitted by network devices, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the ability to identify failure locations and causes is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having network devices pre-transmit their detection results (connection status, device state) to the upper managing apparatus before failures occur. This proactive information transmission ensures route information is available for immediate failure analysis without adding complexity to the network devices' operational functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables network devices to self-report their status information automatically without requiring complex external monitoring. Each device serves itself by detecting and transmitting its own connection and state information, maintaining device simplicity while ensuring sufficient route information is available for failure identification.
Data Source
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AI summary
A process control system for controlling an industrial process implemented at a plant, may include: a network provided in the plant; a network device comprising at least one of a first detector, which is configured to detect a connection state of the network device with the network, and a second detector, which is configured to detect a state of the network device, the network device being configured to output at least one of connection information, which indicates a first detection result detected by the first detector, and device state information, which indicates a second detection result detected by the second detector, to the network.