Ring Bus Switching for Dynamic Module Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ring bus structures are inflexible and cannot easily accommodate new modules or changes, limiting their ability to adapt when new modules are connected or disconnected.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a connector for attaching an extension processing unit, a detection unit to identify the attachment, and a bus switching unit that dynamically changes the ring bus path to incorporate the extension processing module, allowing for flexible configuration changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the ring bus structure is established with fixed modules, then the system stability is maintained, but the adaptability to add new modules is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ring bus structure is designed to dynamically reconfigure its path based on module presence. The bus switching unit changes the bus path according to detection signals from modules, allowing the system to adapt its topology from a standard ring to an extended ring configuration, thus achieving both stability and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The ring bus is segmented into multiple possible paths through the bus switching unit. This segmentation allows the bus to be routed through different sequences of modules depending on which modules are present, enabling flexible configuration while maintaining system stability through controlled path selection
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ring bus path is switched to accommodate new modules, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each module includes a detection unit that automatically detects the presence or absence of adjacent modules and generates相应的 detection signals. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external control systems to manually configure the bus path, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The detection units provide feedback signals to the bus switching unit about module presence. This feedback mechanism enables automatic bus path reconfiguration based on actual system configuration, simplifying the control logic compared to manual or centralized control approaches
3Ease of operation
If a conventional ring bus structure is used, then the device complexity is minimized, but the ease of operation for adding modules is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration through detection units in each module that automatically sense module presence and trigger bus path changes. This eliminates the need for manual intervention or complex external configuration procedures, making module addition simple and intuitive
Solution Approach 2:
The bus switching unit is pre-configured with the capability to switch between different bus paths based on detection signals. This preliminary preparation of switching mechanisms ensures that when new modules are added, the system can immediately adapt without requiring complex real-time decision-making or manual reconfiguration
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a plurality of processing modules that are connected to each other on a ring bus, a connector for optionally attaching to an extension processing unit, a detection unit configured to detect attachment of the extension processing unit to the connector, and a bus switching unit configured to change, in a case where the detection unit detects the attachment of the extension processing unit, a path of the ring bus in such a manner that an extension processing module in the extension processing unit is connected.