Networked Control Timing Using Synchronized Dual Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
In control systems with multiple control devices connected to a network, synchronizing data collection and transmission timings between devices is challenging, leading to difficulties in coordinating the operation of equipment connected to different control devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a control system where each control device has a synchronized timer to coordinate data transmission with other devices and equipment, ensuring that data collection and transmission timings are synchronized across all devices, using a dual communication protocol for efficient data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple control devices execute control processing independently, then each device can operate autonomously, but the timing for collecting input data and transmitting output data cannot be synchronized between devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the timing control functions of multiple independent control devices by introducing a master timer that all devices reference. Each control device combines its autonomous processing with synchronized timing references from the master timer, allowing independent operation while maintaining coordinated timing for data collection and transmission across the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The master timer acts as an intermediary between multiple independent control devices, providing a common time reference that coordinates their operations. This mediator enables autonomous devices to synchronize their data collection and transmission timing without requiring direct inter-device communication for timing coordination.
2Reliability
If control devices exchange equipment information to operate equipment in a coordinated manner, then cooperative control can be achieved, but the timings for data collection and output cannot be synchronized
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary timing synchronization by having all control devices reference the master timer before executing data collection and transmission operations. This advance timing coordination ensures that when equipment information is exchanged for cooperative control, the data transmission timings are already synchronized, eliminating timing conflicts during coordinated operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control devices are connected via network, then system functionality is enhanced, but synchronization of control timings among equipment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The master timer serves as a universal timing reference that all control devices in the network can use, regardless of their specific functions or the types of equipment they control. This multi-functional time reference simplifies the timing synchronization complexity by providing a single standardized approach that works across diverse devices and equipment types in the enhanced functionality system.
Data Source
AI summary
Each of a plurality of control devices includes: an upper communication part which transmits/receives first data to/from other control devices via a first network; and a lower communication part which transmits/receives second data to/from one or more equipment via a second network. The upper communication part has a first timer time-synchronized with each other among the plurality of control devices. The lower communication part determines, based on the time of the first timer, a timing to start processing for transmitting the second data to the one or more equipment.