Networked Control Timing Using Shared Timers for Coordinated Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In control systems with multiple control devices connected to a network, synchronizing data collection and transmission timings between devices is challenging, leading to difficulties in coordinating the operation of equipment connected to different control devices, which affects processing precision and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a control system where each control device has a synchronized timer for upper network communication and a separate timer for lower network communication, allowing data transmission timings to be synchronized across devices and equipment, enabling coordinated control of field equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple control devices execute control processing independently, then each control device can operate autonomously, but the timings for collecting input data and transmitting output data cannot be synchronized between control devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the timer functions across multiple control devices by having them share a common timer resource through network communication. Each control device accesses the same timer counter value, enabling synchronized timing decisions while maintaining independent control processing. This resolves the contradiction by combining the timing function while preserving operational independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a timer as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between independent control devices. The timer acts as a neutral reference that all control devices consult to make timing decisions, enabling synchronization without requiring direct coordination or hierarchical control between the autonomous devices.
2Reliability
If control devices exchange information between devices to coordinate equipment operation, then cooperative control becomes possible, but the timings for data collection and output cannot be synchronized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates equipotential timing conditions across all control devices by having them reference the same timer counter value. This ensures that all devices operate from the same timing potential, enabling synchronized data collection and output operations while maintaining the ability to exchange coordination information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic timing based on a shared timer counter that all control devices monitor. This periodic reference enables rhythmic, synchronized operations across devices, allowing them to collect data and transmit output at coordinated intervals while exchanging necessary coordination information.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a plurality of control devices is connected via network, then system functionality and scalability are improved, but cooperative control of equipment connected to different control devices cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the timer resource universal across all control devices in the network. The same timer counter can be accessed and referenced by any control device, enabling synchronized operations regardless of which specific devices are present or how they are configured. This universal timing reference supports both system flexibility and cooperative control reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to the present invention, each of a plurality of control devices includes: an upper communication means for transmitting and receiving first data to/from another control device via a first network; and a lower communication means for transmitting and receiving second data to/from one or a plurality of devices via a second network. The upper communication means has first timers synchronized in time with each other among the plurality of control devices. The lower communication means determines, on the basis of the times of the first timer, a timing to start processing for transmitting the second data to the one or the plurality of devices.