Redundancy Equalization Across Mixed-PC Communication Protocols

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional redundancy systems in process control systems require downtime for replacing general-purpose PCs, as new-type PCs may not have compatibility with existing ones, leading to potential backup failures and extended downtime due to the need for hardware replacement and restoration.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a redundancy method that uses two communication methods, where the first method is used for equalization with existing PCs and the second, faster method is used for new PCs, allowing seamless replacement without downtime by determining the communication method compatibility and performing equalization operations accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If new-type general-purpose PCs are replaced in the redundancy system, then the equalization performance and communication speed are improved, but the compatibility with existing PCs deteriorates, requiring downtime for replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequalization speedVSAvoidcompatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

A communication method determination unit acts as an intermediary that automatically selects between first communication method (compatible with existing PCs) and second communication method (faster, for new PCs). This mediator enables new-type PCs to communicate efficiently with both existing and other new-type PCs without requiring manual configuration or downtime for replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If hardware replacement is performed in the conventional redundancy system, then new equipment with better performance is deployed, but the system downtime increases due to backup and restoration processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem performanceVSAvoiddowntime

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The communication method determination unit is pre-configured with knowledge of both first communication method (for compatibility) and second communication method (for high performance). This preliminary preparation allows the system to automatically switch to the appropriate communication method when new-type PCs are introduced, eliminating the need for manual backup and restoration processes that cause downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the communication method parameter based on the type of PC being replaced. When a new-type PC is introduced, the determination unit detects this and automatically switches from the first communication method to the second communication method, enabling seamless replacement without system downtime while improving equalization performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the first communication method is used for equalization with existing PCs, then compatibility is maintained, but the equalization speed is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidequalization speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts the communication method based on the operational context. When communicating with existing PCs, it uses the first communication method for compatibility. When communicating with other new-type PCs that support the second communication method, it automatically switches to the faster second method, optimizing equalization speed without sacrificing compatibility where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11902035B2Redundancy method, computer-readable recording medium, and information processing device

Publication Date: 2024.02.13 YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

In an information processing device, a communication control unit performs communication using a first communication method and using a second communication method that is faster than the first communication method. An equalizing unit performs an equalization operation using the first communication method with respect to a first information processing device in a redundancy system in which redundancy is achieved between the first information processing device and a second information processing device using the first communication method. After the equalization operation is completed by the equalizing unit, another equalizing unit performs the equalization operation using the second communication method with respect to a third information processing device, and builds a redundancy system in which the concerned information processing device and the third information processing device are used.