Virtual Hot Standby Control for Fewer Redundant Controllers

The patent merges multiple controller functions into a single physical controller by creating virtual control devices. One physical controller hosts multiple virtual controllers, where at least one virtual controller serves as a main control device and others serve as standby control devices. This consolidation reduces the total number of physical controllers while maintaining the redundant hot standby functionality that ensures system reliability.

The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling a single physical controller to perform multiple roles simultaneously. The controller can host various virtual control devices that function as both main and standby controllers for different control processes. This universal approach allows one physical device to replace what traditionally required multiple dedicated physical controllers.

The patent creates virtual copies of controllers through virtualization technology. Instead of requiring physical standby controllers, the system creates virtual control devices that replicate the functionality of main controllers. These virtual standby controllers can be instantiated on the same physical hardware, providing continuous operation capability during faults without duplicating physical devices.

The patent combines multiple controller instances (main and standby) into a single physical platform. By hosting multiple virtual control devices on one physical controller, the system merges what traditionally required separate physical devices, thereby reducing the total number of physical devices while ensuring continuous operation through virtual redundancy.