Remote Control Switchover for Continuous Facility Operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems fail to consider switchover of control programs between a control device on the spot and a remote control device, leading to potential control failures due to communication failures in wideband networks.
Innovation Solution
A remote control device that includes a communication unit for receiving shifting start notifications and sensor data, and a control program execution unit for executing control operations based on received data, allowing seamless switchover and continuous control operation even in the event of network failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If control operation is executed in a remote control device via wideband network, then system redundancy is improved and loads are distributed, but control reliability deteriorates due to potential communication failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements location-based control quality differentiation: local control device executes control operations with high reliability when communication is normal, while remote control device provides backup capability. The control device switches between local and remote execution based on communication status, ensuring that critical control functions maintain high reliability through local execution while still benefiting from remote redundancy when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares backup control arrangements in advance by establishing both local and remote control devices with identical control programs. The system pre-configures communication monitoring and switchover mechanisms so that when communication failures occur, the transition to local control execution can happen immediately without interruption to the controlled object, cushioning against the reliability deterioration caused by network failures.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If control program switchover is implemented between local and remote devices, then control continuity is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional switching mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes both the local control device and remote control device universal by equipping them with identical control programs and execution capabilities. Either device can independently execute the control operation, making the system more flexible. The control device itself serves multiple functions: it acts as the primary control executor, communication monitor, and switchover controller, reducing the need for additional dedicated switching components and thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements communication status monitoring that provides feedback to the control device. The control device continuously receives feedback about communication quality and automatically triggers program switchover when degradation is detected. This feedback mechanism enables automatic control continuity maintenance without requiring complex manual switching procedures, balancing control continuity improvement with acceptable system complexity.
3Speed
If real-time control is maintained during network disruptions, then control responsiveness is improved, but communication requirements increase leading to potential failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control execution location selection. The system continuously adapts between local and remote control execution based on real-time communication conditions. When communication is reliable, the remote control device executes control operations; when communication degrades, the system dynamically switches to local execution. This dynamic adaptation maintains control responsiveness by ensuring control operations always execute somewhere, while reducing communication requirements by using local execution during network disruptions.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a remote control device includes a communication unit configured to receive shifting start notification regarding shifting of a control operation of a control target facility and reception values including data of a sensor of the control target facility and in-operation control information of the control operation from a control device that performs the control operation. Further, the remote control device includes a control program execution unit configured to execute a control program of the control operation based on the data of the sensor and the in-operation control information after the shifting start notification is received.