Time-Synchronized Network Control for Split Data Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional control systems for manufacturing devices or production facilities face challenges in efficiently transmitting control system data and information system data on the same network, leading to increased processing loads and reduced precision in predictive management due to limited data handling capacity.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves assigning separate communication bands to time-synchronized control devices for control system data and information system data, allowing for simultaneous transmission without increasing processing loads, thereby enabling high-speed and high-precision control and data collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the control device transmits both control system data and information system data on the same network, then the processing load is concentrated on the control device, but the data handling capacity is exceeded and predictive management precision is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidpredictive management precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the control devices into two types: first control devices that transmit only control system data, and second control devices that transmit only information system data. This segmentation distributes the data transmission responsibilities across multiple devices, preventing any single control device from being overloaded and ensuring that both control precision and predictive management quality are maintained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If the control device handles large amounts of information system data, then the processing load increases, but the control speed and precision are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata amountVSAvoidcontrol speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data transmission functions by designating second control devices specifically for transmitting information system data to the host device. This separates the control functions (handled by first control devices) from the data collection functions (handled by second control devices), allowing control operations to maintain high speed and precision while information system data is collected and transmitted without interfering with control performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If separate networks are used for control system data and information system data, then processing load is distributed, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing load distributionVSAvoidnetwork complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the roles of control devices rather than creating separate physical networks. First control devices are assigned to transmit control system data, while second control devices are assigned to transmit information system data. Both types of devices operate on the same network infrastructure, but their functional segmentation achieves load distribution without requiring complex network architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3691193B1Control system and communication method
Publication Date: 2023.03.15 OMRON CORP
  • EP3691193B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3691193B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3691193B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A first control device connected to a network in which data is updated at every predetermined cycle transmits, at every predetermined cycle, first data used for controlling a manufacturing device or a production facility, using a first communication band among communication bands possessed by the network. A second control device connected to the network and time-synchronized with the first control device transmits second data used for setting and managing the manufacturing device or the production facility, using a second communication band other than the first communication band among the communication bands possessed by the network.