Sequential Synchronization Hierarchy for Networked Nodes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern process control systems face challenges in synchronizing configuration files across networked nodes due to limited resources, making existing file synchronization techniques inefficient, especially as the number of nodes increases, leading to prolonged synchronization times.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a sequential synchronization hierarchy where each networked node operates as a child to a parent node with higher priority, allowing sequential propagation of information along multiple parent-child paths, reducing resource utilization while improving synchronization speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If sequential file synchronization is used from originating node to each other node, then resource utilization remains low, but synchronization time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network nodes into hierarchical levels with designated parent nodes and child nodes. Each parent node is responsible for synchronizing configuration files to its direct child nodes, which then propagate to their children. This segmentation distributes the synchronization workload across multiple parent nodes simultaneously, reducing total synchronization time while maintaining low resource utilization at each individual node.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the synchronization process, organizing nodes into multiple levels rather than a flat sequential structure. Configuration files propagate down through hierarchical levels in parallel, transforming the one-dimensional sequential synchronization into a multi-dimensional hierarchical propagation that achieves faster synchronization without increasing per-node resource requirements.
2Productivity
If sophisticated file synchronization techniques are used, then synchronization speed improves, but resource requirements exceed node capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
Each node in the hierarchy autonomously performs synchronization operations for its own level without requiring complex centralized control. Parent nodes independently manage synchronization to their child nodes, and child nodes automatically receive and propagate configurations. This self-service approach achieves efficient synchronization while keeping individual node complexity and resource requirements within available capabilities.
3Loss of time
If hierarchical synchronization levels are implemented, then synchronization time complexity reduces to O(log 2(n)), but system configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces parent nodes as intermediaries between the originating node and child nodes. Each parent node acts as a mediator that receives configuration files from its parent and propagates them to its children. This intermediary structure enables the O(log 2(n)) synchronization time complexity by creating efficient propagation paths while distributing configuration management responsibilities, thereby managing overall system complexity through structured delegation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for implementing a sequential synchronization hierarchy among networked devices are disclosed. An example synchronization method disclosed herein comprises configuring a first networked node to be a parent node associated directly with second and third networked nodes configured to be respective first and second direct child nodes, selecting other networked nodes to be a set of indirect child nodes associated indirectly with the parent node through the first direct child node, and configuring the parent node to send information undergoing synchronization to the direct child nodes sequentially based on a plurality of hierarchical synchronization levels associated with the direct child nodes, but to not send the information to the set of indirect child nodes, wherein the first direct child node is to propagate the information to the set of indirect child nodes while the parent node is to send the information to the second direct child node.