Network Subsystem Function Reconfiguration for Failure Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network systems struggle to adapt to internal and external situations, such as subsystem failures or unauthorized access, which can prevent the achievement of predetermined objectives due to limitations in cooperative processing and security measures.

Innovation Solution

A network system with a recognition unit, acquisition unit, objective acceptance unit, shared storage, structure setting unit, determination unit, and notification unit that automatically sets and adjusts the combination of functions among subsystems based on their states and knowledge, ensuring adaptability and resilience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a plurality of devices are made to cooperate via network connection, then functional versatility is improved, but system adaptability to failures and external threats deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidsystem adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic function allocation where subsystems can change their roles and functions based on real-time system state. When failures or threats are detected, the system dynamically reconfigures which subsystems perform which functions, rather than having fixed assignments. This allows the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining cooperative processing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the activation state of different subsystems based on detected conditions. The control unit modifies system parameters such as which subsystems are active, what functions they perform, and how they are configured, allowing the same physical system to operate in different modes depending on reliability requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If individual processing is implemented in each apparatus, then device simplicity is improved, but cooperative processing capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidcooperative processing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the system into independent subsystems that each maintain simple individual processing capabilities. Each subsystem operates autonomously with its own processing unit, allowing device simplicity to be preserved. The cooperative processing emerges from the coordination of these simple, segmented units rather than from complex individual devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The subsystems are designed with universal interfaces and standardized communication protocols that enable them to perform multiple functions through coordination. While each individual subsystem remains simple, the system as a whole achieves cooperative processing capability through the multi-functional arrangement of these simple components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If fixed function assignments are used in subsystems, then system stability is improved, but adaptability to changing conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors subsystem states and uses this information to adjust function assignments. The detection unit provides feedback about system conditions, and the control unit responds by reconfiguring subsystem functions, creating a closed-loop system that maintains stability through adaptive responses to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10778770B2Network system, function setting method, and function setting program

Publication Date: 2020.09.15 OMRON CORP

AI summary

In a network system, an own subsystem recognition unit is provided in each of subsystems, and holds a state and a function of the own subsystem. A shared information communication unit acquires states and functions of the subsystems. An objective acceptance unit accepts a setting of a target state. A shared storage unit stores knowledge regarding a combination structure of functions of the respective subsystems necessary for realizing the target state. A structure setting unit automatically sets a combination structure of functions of the respective subsystems, including determining whether the function of each of the subsystems is to be activated, based on the target state, states and functions of the subsystems, and the knowledge regarding a combination structure. A role determination unit determines functions to be executed by the respective subsystems based on the automatically set combination structure. A role notification unit notifies the subsystems of the determined respective functions.