Peer-to-Peer Data Exchange for Reliable Control System Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial control systems face downtime and performance issues due to reliance on centralized data storage, which can lead to single points of failure and bottlenecks, especially when dealing with large files and complex manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of peer-to-peer technology for decentralized data storage and access, allowing data to be stored and retrieved from multiple sources, eliminating single points of failure and reducing client call-up times by automatically calculating the quickest source for data retrieval, while ensuring only the newest versions are shared.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If centralized data storage is used on a server, then data management is simplified, but system reliability deteriorates due to single points of failure and performance bottlenecks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized data storage system into multiple distributed peer nodes. Each node stores copies of data files, transforming the single-point storage architecture into a multi-node distributed network. This segmentation eliminates the single point of failure while maintaining simplified data management through automated peer-to-peer synchronization protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements data copying across multiple peer nodes in the network. When a data file is uploaded to one peer, automated processes create and distribute copies to other peers. This copying mechanism ensures that data remains accessible even if individual nodes fail, thereby improving system reliability without requiring complex centralized management.
2Device complexity
If data is stored on a central server, then data access control is simplified, but data transfer performance deteriorates due to network bandwidth limitations and bottlenecks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the roles of data storage and data transfer across multiple peer nodes. Each peer not only stores data but also serves as a transfer source for other peers. This combining of functions distributes the transfer load across the network, eliminating the single bottleneck of a central server and improving overall data transfer performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional centralized access model to a multi-dimensional peer-to-peer access model. Data can be accessed from multiple dimensions (multiple peers simultaneously) rather than through a single central point. This dimensional change enables parallel data transfers and improves network throughput by utilizing multiple transmission paths concurrently.
3Reliability
If multiple peers store and share data files, then data availability improves, but system complexity increases due to version control and synchronization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where peers continuously monitor and report their data file versions and availability status to the network. This feedback enables automated synchronization processes to identify and resolve version conflicts, maintain data consistency across peers, and ensure that the most current versions are propagated throughout the network without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables peers to perform self-service synchronization and version management. Each peer autonomously compares its data copies with those of other peers, identifies version differences, and automatically updates or propagates corrections. This self-service approach maintains high data availability while minimizing the complexity of centralized coordination by distributing the synchronization intelligence across the network.
Data Source
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AI summary
System(s) and method(s) are provided for peer-to-peer exchange of data in a control system. Decentralized storage and multi-access paths provide complete sets of data without dependence on a specific or pre-defined data source or access paths. Data is characterized as data resources with disparate granularity. The control system includes a plurality of layers that act as logic units communicatively coupled through access network(s). Server(s) resides in a service layer, whereas client(s) associated with respective visualization terminal(s) are part of a visualization layer. Peer-to-peer distribution of data resource(s) can be based on available access network(s) resources and optimization of response time(s) in the control system. When client requests a data resource, all the locations of the data resource and the quickest source to retrieve it are automatically determined. The client stores copy of data resource. Peer-to-peer distribution of data resource(s) can be implemented within the service layer or the visualization layer.