U.S. patent application number 14/739665 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-24 for system and method for autonomous dynamic provisioning.
The applicant listed for this patent is Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to Timothy S. Biernat, Paul D. Schmirler.
Application Number | 20150372865 14/739665 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53476748 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150372865 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schmirler; Paul D. ; et
al. |
December 24, 2015 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTONOMOUS DYNAMIC PROVISIONING
Abstract
An industrial automation gateway for autonomous dynamic
provisioning is provided. The industrial automation gateway
includes a cloud communication interface coupled with, and
configured for communication with, a cloud automation facility, and
a processor coupled with the cloud communication interface. The
processor is configured to determine a current configuration of the
industrial automation gateway, and request a configuration update
from the cloud automation facility through the cloud communication
interface. The processor is also configured to receive the
configuration update from the cloud automation facility through the
cloud communication interface, and implement the configuration
update within the industrial automation gateway.
Inventors: |
Schmirler; Paul D.;
(Glendale, WI) ; Biernat; Timothy S.; (Franklin,
WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. |
Mayfield Heights |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53476748 |
Appl. No.: |
14/739665 |
Filed: |
June 15, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62016005 |
Jun 23, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
709/221 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 41/0813 20130101;
H04L 67/10 20130101; H04L 9/3265 20130101; H04L 9/3263 20130101;
G06Q 10/06 20130101; H04L 67/125 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04L 12/24 20060101
H04L012/24; H04L 29/08 20060101 H04L029/08 |
Claims
1. An industrial automation gateway for autonomous dynamic
provisioning comprising: a cloud communication interface coupled
with, and configured for communication with, a cloud automation
facility; and a processor coupled with the cloud communication
interface, configured to: determine a current configuration of the
industrial automation gateway; request a configuration update from
the cloud automation facility through the cloud communication
interface; receive the configuration update from the cloud
automation facility through the cloud communication interface; and
implement the configuration update within the industrial automation
gateway.
2. The industrial automation gateway of claim 1, further
comprising: a dynamic software container coupled with the
processor, configured to: receive the configuration update, wherein
the configuration update comprises new software components with
additional functionality for the industrial automation gateway;
store the configuration update in a memory; and bind the new
software components into currently running systems within the
industrial automation gateway without interruption of the currently
running systems.
3. The industrial automation gateway of claim 2, further
comprising: an industrial communication interface coupled with, and
configured for communication with, one or more industrial
automation devices.
4. The industrial automation gateway of claim 3, wherein the
processor is further configured to: determine a current
configuration of the one or more industrial automation devices;
detect an addition of an industrial automation device to the one or
more industrial automation devices; query the added industrial
automation device to determine its identity and configuration;
request a configuration update for the industrial automation
gateway regarding the added industrial automation device based on
its identity and configuration from the cloud automation facility
through the cloud communication interface, the configuration update
comprising new software components with additional functionality to
allow the industrial automation gateway to communicate with, and
control, the added industrial automation device; and transfer the
configuration update to the dynamic software container to bind the
new software components into the currently running systems within
the industrial automation gateway without interruption of the
currently running systems.
5. The industrial automation gateway of claim 4, wherein the
processor is further configured to: transfer the identity and
configuration of the added industrial automation device to the
cloud automation facility through the cloud communication interface
to update cloud service users with information about the added
industrial automation device.
6. The industrial automation gateway of claim 4, wherein the
configuration update comprises one or more of: communication
parameters, data collection parameters, or data conditioning
parameters.
7. The industrial automation gateway of claim 1, further
comprising: an industrial communication interface coupled with, and
configured for communication with, one or more industrial
automation devices.
8. The industrial automation gateway of claim 7, wherein the
processor is further configured to: determine a current
configuration of at least one of the one or more industrial
automation devices; request a configuration update for the at least
one of the one or more industrial automation devices from the cloud
automation facility through the cloud communication interface;
receive the configuration update for the at least one of the one or
more industrial automation devices from the cloud automation
facility through the cloud communication interface; and implement
the configuration update within the at least one of the one or more
industrial automation devices through the industrial communication
interface.
9. A method for autonomous dynamic provisioning within an
industrial automation gateway comprising: determining a current
configuration of the industrial automation gateway; requesting a
configuration update from a cloud automation facility through a
cloud communication interface; receiving the configuration update
from the cloud automation facility through the cloud communication
interface; and implementing the configuration update within the
industrial automation gateway.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: receiving the
configuration update within a dynamic software container, wherein
the configuration update comprises new software components with
additional functionality for the industrial automation gateway;
storing the configuration update in a hardware memory; and binding
the new software components into currently running systems within
the industrial automation gateway without interrupting the
currently running systems.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: determining a
current configuration of one or more industrial automation devices
coupled with the industrial automation gateway through an
industrial communication interface; detecting an addition of an
industrial automation device to the one or more industrial
automation devices; querying the added industrial automation device
to determine its identity and configuration; requesting a
configuration update for the industrial automation gateway
regarding the added industrial automation device based on its
identity and configuration from the cloud automation facility
through the cloud communication interface, the configuration update
comprising new software components with additional functionality to
allow the industrial automation gateway to communicate with, and
control, the added industrial automation device; and transferring
the configuration update to the dynamic software container to bind
the new software components into the currently running systems
within the industrial automation gateway without interrupting the
currently running systems.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: transferring the
identity and configuration of the added industrial automation
device to the cloud automation facility through the cloud
communication interface to update cloud service users with
information about the added industrial automation device.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the configuration update
comprises one or more of: communication parameters, data collection
parameters, or data conditioning parameters.
14. The method of claim 9, further comprising: determining a
current configuration of one or more industrial automation devices
coupled with the industrial automation gateway through an
industrial communication interface; requesting a configuration
update for the one or more industrial automation devices from the
cloud automation facility through the cloud communication
interface; receiving the configuration update for the one or more
industrial automation devices from the cloud automation facility
through the cloud communication interface; and implementing the
configuration update within the one or more industrial automation
devices through the industrial communication interface.
15. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media having
stored thereon program instructions to facilitate autonomous
dynamic provisioning within an industrial automation gateway,
wherein the program instructions, when executed by a computing
system, direct the computing system to at least: determine a
current configuration of the industrial automation gateway; request
a configuration update from a cloud automation facility through a
cloud communication interface; receive the configuration update
from the cloud automation facility through the cloud communication
interface; and implement the configuration update within the
industrial automation gateway.
16. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim
15, further comprising program instructions, which when executed by
the computing system, direct the computing system to at least:
receive the configuration update within a dynamic software
container, wherein the configuration update comprises new software
components with additional functionality for the industrial
automation gateway; store the configuration update in a hardware
memory; and bind the new software components into currently running
systems within the industrial automation system without
interruption of the currently running systems.
17. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim
16, further comprising program instructions, which when executed by
the computing system, direct the computing system to at least:
determine a current configuration of one or more industrial
automation devices coupled with the industrial automation gateway
through an industrial communication interface; detect an addition
of an industrial automation device to the one or more industrial
automation devices; query the added industrial automation device to
determine its identity and configuration; request a configuration
update for the industrial automation gateway regarding the added
industrial automation device based on its identity and
configuration from the cloud automation facility through the cloud
communication interface, the configuration update comprising new
software components with additional functionality to allow the
industrial automation gateway to communicate with, and control, the
added industrial automation device; and transfer the configuration
update to the dynamic software container to bind the new software
components into the currently running systems within the industrial
automation gateway without interruption of the currently running
systems.
18. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim
17, further comprising program instructions, which when executed by
the computing system, direct the computing system to at least:
transfer the identity and configuration of the added industrial
automation device to the cloud automation facility through the
cloud communication interface to update cloud service users with
information about the added industrial automation device.
19. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim
17, wherein the configuration update comprises one or more of:
communication parameters, data collection parameters, or data
conditioning parameters.
20. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim
15, further comprising program instructions, which when executed by
the computing system, direct the computing system to at least:
determine a current configuration of one or more industrial
automation devices coupled with the industrial automation gateway
through an industrial communication interface; request a
configuration update for the one or more industrial automation
devices from the cloud automation facility through the cloud
communication interface; receive the configuration update for the
one or more industrial automation devices from the cloud automation
facility through the cloud communication interface; and implement
the configuration update within the one or more industrial
automation devices through the industrial communication interface.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application hereby claims the benefit of and priority
to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/016,005, titled
"INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION NODE AND METHOD", filed on Jun. 23, 2014 and
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
[0002] Industrial automation is used to control machines and
processes in manufacturing. Automated machines commonly control the
handling of components, sub-components, and raw materials, perform
fabrication processes, testing, product handling, packaging, and
shipping. Industrial automation enables precise control of
industrial processes, achievement of smaller tolerances and better
quality products, higher production outputs, and increased worker
safety and productivity.
[0003] Industrial automation installations comprise multiple
computerized devices that control industrial machines and
industrial processes. The components of an industrial automation
installation must work together in a coordinated fashion,
performing operations such as exchanging data, controlling the
timing and scheduling of processes, providing information to
operators or technicians, and receiving operator inputs.
[0004] Because of the large number of system variables that must be
monitored and controlled, industrial automation systems often
generate vast amounts of data. In addition to production
statistics, data relating to machine health, alarm status, operator
feedback, electrical or mechanical load, and the like are often
monitored. The data is generated by the many industrial devices
that can make up a given automation system, including industrial
controllers and associated I/O, telemetry devices, motion control
devices, valves, conveyors, raw material handling systems, product
handling systems, visualization applications, traceability systems,
and the like. Moreover, such industrial facilities can operate on a
twenty-four hour basis, wherein automation systems can generate a
vast amount of data.
[0005] In addition, industrial automation monitoring has evolved
from monitoring devices in an industrial plant to include
monitoring devices at remote sites, such as mobile or temporary
facilities. Industrial automation monitoring can be used for
drilling, mining, and other resource extraction operations.
Industrial automation monitoring can be used in monitoring water
treatment facilities or in monitoring of environmental conditions.
Industrial automation monitoring can be used to monitor the health
and operation of industrial automation devices including field
equipment.
[0006] Industrial automation devices can generate industrial
automation data at multiple, geographically disparate locations.
The industrial automation data can be collected via the cloud,
wherein industrial automation data can be accumulated and made
available to a user or users via the cloud. Where the industrial
automation devices are distributed geographically, the cloud
advantageously provides a facility for accessing data from
multiple, distributed industrial automation devices.
Overview
[0007] In an embodiment, an industrial automation gateway for
autonomous dynamic provisioning is provided. The industrial
automation gateway includes a cloud communication interface coupled
with, and configured for communication with, a cloud automation
facility, and a processor coupled with the cloud communication
interface. The processor is configured to determine a current
configuration of the industrial automation gateway, and request a
configuration update from the cloud automation facility through the
cloud communication interface. The processor is also configured to
receive the configuration update from the cloud automation facility
through the cloud communication interface, and implement the
configuration update within the industrial automation gateway.
[0008] In another embodiment, a method for autonomous dynamic
provisioning within an industrial automation gateway is provided.
The method includes determining a current configuration of the
industrial automation gateway, and requesting a configuration
update from a cloud automation facility through a cloud
communication interface. The method also includes receiving the
configuration update from the cloud automation facility through the
cloud communication interface, and implementing the configuration
update within the industrial automation gateway.
[0009] In a further embodiment, one or more non-transitory
computer-readable media having stored thereon program instructions
to facilitate autonomous dynamic provisioning within an industrial
automation gateway is provided. The program instructions, when
executed by a computing system, direct the computing system to at
least determine a current configuration of the industrial
automation gateway, and request a configuration update from a cloud
automation facility through a cloud communication interface. The
program instructions also direct the computing system to receive
the configuration update from the cloud automation facility through
the cloud communication interface, and implement the configuration
update within the industrial automation gateway.
[0010] This Overview is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Technical Disclosure. It should be understood that this
Overview is not intended to identify key features or essential
features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be
used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary industrial automation
system.
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for the operation
of an industrial automation gateway.
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a computer system
configured to operate as an industrial automation gateway.
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for the operation
of an industrial automation gateway in another example.
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for the operation
of an industrial automation gateway in further example.
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for the operation
of an industrial automation gateway in still another example.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The following description and associated drawings teach the
best mode of the invention. For the purpose of teaching inventive
principles, some conventional aspects of the best mode may be
simplified or omitted. The following claims specify the scope of
the invention. Some aspects of the best mode may not fall within
the scope of the invention as specified by the claims. Thus, those
skilled in the art will appreciate variations from the best mode
that fall within the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the
art will appreciate that the features described below can be
combined in various ways to form multiple variations of the
invention. As a result, the invention is not limited to the
specific examples described below, but only by claims and their
equivalents.
[0018] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary industrial automation node 110.
Industrial automation node 110 is part of an industrial automation
system 100, with the industrial automation system 100 further
including cloud 140 and cloud automation facility 150. Industrial
automation node 110 is in communication with cloud 140. Industrial
automation node 110 communicates continuously, periodically, or
intermittently with cloud 140. Industrial automation node 110
communicates with cloud 140 via a wired or wireless communication
channel. Industrial automation node 110 in some examples
communicates with cloud 140 via a cellular communication link and
exchanges communications with cloud 140 via a cellular telephone
communication protocol. In such an example, industrial automation
node 110 has an account with a cellular provider.
[0019] Industrial automation node 110 in some examples is located
in a manufacturing plant or other industrial facility.
Alternatively, in other examples industrial automation node 110 is
remotely located and comprises a small facility, a temporary
facility, a mobile facility, or other self-contained facility. In
other examples, industrial automation node 110 is substantially
stationary or is fixed in location.
[0020] Industrial automation node 110 performs some manner of
industrial automation operation or operations. Industrial
automation node 110 generates and/or gathers industrial automation
data. Industrial automation data can include timestamps that
indicate when data portions were generated or collected. Industrial
automation node 110 transfers the industrial automation data to
cloud 140 for storage, analysis, and other uses. Industrial
automation node 110 further transfers operational information to
cloud 140 in some examples, including operational status and
operational characteristic. Industrial automation node 110 in some
examples receives information from cloud 140, including
programming, measurement values or other information needed for
operation of industrial automation node 110, requests for
operational status and operational characteristics from industrial
automation node 110, and other information.
[0021] Industrial automation node 110 relays industrial automation
data to cloud automation facility 150. Industrial automation node
110 may also accumulate, process, filter, compress, or otherwise
modify the industrial automation data before relaying it to cloud
automation facility 150. In addition, industrial automation node
110 may periodically transfer a heartbeat message to cloud
automation facility 150.
[0022] Cloud 140 comprises a network or association of connected
computer devices and digital electronic resources that can be used
to perform processing and to relay communications. The term "cloud"
is a shorthand reference to cloud computing infrastructure. The
cloud includes one or more communication networks, such as the
Internet, for example, and can further include portions of an
industrial communications network, such as a local area network
(LAN) or a wide area network (WAN). In cloud computing, a computing
process may run on one or many connected cloud computers at the
same time. In cloud computing, the cloud can host and run an
application anywhere in the world. Further, cloud 140 enables
access to the application from anywhere.
[0023] Cloud 140 includes one or more data storage facilities for
storing received industrial automation data in some examples. Cloud
140 receives industrial automation data from industrial automation
node 110 and accumulates and stores the industrial automation data.
Cloud 140 in some examples processes and/or analyzes the industrial
automation data.
[0024] Cloud automation facility 150 is configured to communicate
with industrial automation node 110 via cloud 140 and provide cloud
services to industrial automation node 110. Cloud services can
include, but are not limited to, data storage, data analysis,
control applications, visualization applications such as
cloud-based Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), reporting
applications, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) applications,
notification services, or other such applications.
[0025] Cloud automation facility 150 is configured to obtain
industrial automation data of industrial automation node 110 via
cloud 140. In addition, cloud automation facility 150 stores and
provides configuration information to industrial automation node
110. Cloud automation facility 150 includes configuration library
152 that stores configuration information for one or more
industrial automation nodes 110. Configuration library 152 is used
to configure industrial automation nodes 110. Configuration library
152 can be used to configure a large variety of industrial
automation devices 130-134. Configuration library 152 in some
examples stores configuration information for each industrial
automation device 130-134 of industrial automation node 110.
Alternatively, in other examples configuration library 152 stores
configuration information for all possible industrial automation
devices 130-134 that could be used by industrial automation node
110. Configuration library 152 stores multiple versions of each
configuration information item in some examples. Configuration
library 152 receives updates of configuration information and
provides the updated configuration information to industrial
automation nodes 110.
[0026] Industrial automation node 110 in the example shown includes
one or more industrial automation devices 130-134 and industrial
automation gateway 120 coupled to the one or more industrial
automation devices 130-134. The one or more industrial automation
devices 130-134 perform industrial automation operations. The one
or more industrial automation devices 130-134 can be selected and
included in industrial automation node 110 to perform specific
automation tasks.
[0027] Industrial automation node 110 interacts with cloud-based
computing services that are hosted by cloud 140. The cloud platform
comprises infrastructure that allows shared computing services to
be accessed and utilized by cloud-capable devices. The cloud
platform can be a public cloud that is accessible via the Internet
by devices having Internet connectivity and appropriate
authorizations to utilize commercially-available communication
services. In some examples, access to the cloud platform and
associated services can be provided to customers as subscription
services.
[0028] Providing the one or more industrial automation devices
130-134 with cloud capability can offer a number of advantages.
Cloud-based storage can be easily scaled to accommodate the large
quantities of data that can be generated daily by an industrial
automation enterprise. Moreover, multiple industrial automation
facilities at different geographical locations can migrate their
respective automation data to the cloud 140 for aggregation,
collation, collective analysis, and enterprise-level reporting
without the need to establish a private network between the
facilities.
[0029] Cloud-based diagnostic applications can monitor the health
of respective automation systems or their associated industrial
devices across an entire plant, or across multiple industrial
automation facilities. Cloud-based control applications can be used
to track a unit of product (or a unit or units of raw materials)
through stages of production, collecting data for each unit at each
stage.
[0030] Industrial automation node 110 can accept a number of and
variety of industrial automation devices 130-134. The one or more
industrial automation devices 130-134 can be installed to and
removed from industrial automation node 110 in some examples. The
one or more industrial automation devices 130-134 in some examples
comprise batch control systems, continuous control systems, or
discrete control systems. The one or more industrial automation
devices 130-134 can include devices such as industrial controllers
(e.g., programmable logic controllers or other types of
programmable automation controllers), field devices such as
sensors, meters, valves, motor drives, actuators, HMIs, industrial
robots, barcode markers and readers, vision system devices,
welders, or other such industrial devices.
[0031] Industrial automation gateway 120 includes cloud
communication interface 122 and industrial communication interface
124. Cloud communication interface 122 is configured to communicate
with cloud 140. Industrial communication interface 124 is
configured to communicate with the one or more industrial
automation devices 130-134.
[0032] Industrial communication interface 124 facilitates
monitoring and control of a process or processes. Industrial
communication interface 124 exchanges data with the one or more
industrial automation devices 130-134 using a communication system
such as native hardwired I/O or via a plant network such as
Ethernet/IP, Data Highway Plus, ControlNet, Devicenet, or the like.
Industrial communication interface 124 typically receives any
combination of digital or analog signals from the one or more
industrial automation devices 130-134 indicating a current state of
the one or more industrial automation devices 130-134 and
associated processes.
[0033] Cloud communication interface 122 comprises a communication
interface that exchanges communications with cloud 140. Cloud
communication interface 122 uses any suitable communication
protocol. Cloud communication interface 122 performs wired and/or
wireless communications with cloud 140, as needed. Cloud
communication interface 122 can employ one or more different types
of communications modules to connect with mobile-phone carriers,
Wi-Fi providers, and other communications-services providers from
locations in which wireless service can be obtained. Cloud
communication interface 122 in some examples performs wireless
communications with cloud 140 using a cellular communications
protocol, including cellular communications protocols such as 2G
(second generation)/CDMA, 3G/LTE, 4G, 5G, or any other suitable
cellular telephone communication protocol. Alternatively, cloud
communication interface 122 uses other suitable wireless
communication protocols. By employing cloud communication interface
122, cloud-computing services can be extended into many different,
geographically dispersed areas and to a variety of technologies and
uses for which traditional wireless-service subscriptions would not
be economically feasible.
[0034] Industrial automation gateway 120 can transfer substantially
real-time industrial automation data to cloud 140. However, if
industrial automation gateway 120 determines that communications
are not possible, or if industrial automation gateway 120
determines that it is not time for an industrial automation data
upload, industrial automation gateway 120 can transfer bulk
industrial automation data to cloud 140. In such a situation,
industrial automation gateway 120 enters a store-and-forward mode,
wherein industrial automation node 110 accumulates industrial
automation data and transfers the accumulated industrial automation
data to cloud 140 at predetermined time periods.
[0035] Industrial automation gateway 120 in some examples includes
multiple communication ports. Industrial automation gateway 120 in
some examples includes wired and wireless communication ports.
Consequently, industrial automation gateway 120 may be able to
communicate with cloud 140 in various ways and using more than one
communication protocol or scheme.
[0036] In some examples, industrial automation gateway 120 provides
security. Industrial automation gateway 120 can provide access
control, screening or limiting communications. Industrial
automation gateway 120 can encrypt the industrial automation data
being transferred to cloud 140.
[0037] Industrial automation gateway 120 in some examples is a
small footprint device, such as the netbiter.TM. remote
communication gateway, available from HMS Industrial Networks. The
netbiter.TM. remote communication gateway includes GSM/GPRS
cellular communication capability and includes Ethernet wired
communication capability. Industrial automation gateway 120 in some
examples has a small physical size, uses a low amount of electrical
energy, performs as little processing or communicating as needed,
adds minimal latency to data transfers or operations in industrial
automation node 110, or a combination of these factors, for
example.
[0038] Industrial automation gateway 120 comprises a fixed hardware
and software in some examples. Alternatively, industrial automation
gateway 120 comprises a communication card or other communication
device that can be installed into and removed from industrial
automation node 110. Corresponding gateway software can be obtained
by industrial automation node 110 for a current gateway device or
for a current gateway device format/protocol.
[0039] In some examples, the software for industrial automation
gateway 120 is configurable, such as by cloud 140 or by cloud
automation facility 150. Further, the gateway software can be
dynamically updated or modified.
[0040] Industrial automation gateway 120 obtains and loads suitable
data plug-ins or configurations for the one or more industrial
automation devices 130-134. The data plug-ins or configurations
comprise plug-ins for receiving industrial automation data from the
one or more industrial automation devices 130-134. Industrial
automation gateway 120 may acquire one or more data plug-in or
configuration for each industrial automation device 130-134. The
data plug-ins or configurations operate to receive the industrial
automation data in a format of the corresponding industrial
automation device 130-134. The data plug-ins can process or
condition the industrial automation data. The data plug-ins can
transform the industrial automation data. Other uses for the data
plug-ins are contemplated and are within the scope of the
description and claims. However, the data plug-ins do not generate
the industrial automation data.
[0041] Industrial automation gateway 120 in some examples stores a
set, subset, or sets of plug-ins or configurations that are
anticipated to be needed in industrial automation node 110.
Industrial automation gateway 120 may store more plug-ins and
configurations than needed, including plug-ins and configurations
that may be needed for future devices or future operations.
Alternatively, in other examples, industrial automation gateway 120
obtains and installs only the needed data plug-ins and
configurations, wherein unneeded data plug-ins and configurations
are not present in industrial automation node 110.
[0042] Industrial automation gateway 120 in some examples includes
configuration information in messages or data that is sent to cloud
140. Further, cloud 140 (or cloud automation facility 150) in some
examples sends available configuration version information to
industrial automation gateway 120. As a result, industrial
automation gateway 120 can determine that a newer configuration
version is available and can subsequently request the newer
configuration version from cloud 140 or from cloud automation
facility 150.
[0043] In some examples, industrial automation gateway 120 is
configured to request a configuration update from cloud 140 or
cloud automation facility 150, with the request including
information including a current configuration 126 (and can include
other information such as information about the one or more
installed industrial automation devices 130-134), receive a
configuration update 128 in response, if a configuration update 128
is needed or warranted, and implement the received configuration
update 128.
[0044] In some examples, industrial automation node 110 comprises
one or more industrial automation devices 130-134 configured to
generate industrial automation and an industrial automation gateway
120 in communication with the one or more industrial automation
devices 130-134 and in communication with a cloud automation
facility 150, with industrial automation gateway 120 configured to
determine a current configuration 126 of the gateway 120, transfer
the current configuration 126 to cloud automation facility 150, and
receive and implement a configuration update 128 from cloud
automation facility 150. In some examples, industrial automation
node 110 performs a configuration update without any operator
inputs.
[0045] In some examples, the configuration information comprises
communication parameters, data collection parameters, and data
conditioning parameters. The communication parameters define
communications characteristics for industrial automation node 110,
such as communication times/intervals, communication
types/protocols, a number of stored messages per upload package, a
maximum upload frequency and/or bandwidth limits, and a size or
time limit for storing industrial automation data in a disconnected
state, for example. The data collection parameters define data
collection parameters for the one or more industrial automation
devices 130-134 of industrial automation node 110, such as data to
be collected and tags or alarms to be collected from specific
industrial automation devices 130-134, and how often data is to be
collected, for example. The data conditioning parameters define
data conditioning operations to be performed, such as filtering,
compression, transformation, etc. It should be understood that
additional communication parameters, data collection parameters,
and data conditioning parameters are contemplated and are within
the scope of the description and claims.
[0046] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for the operation
of industrial automation gateway 120. In this example, industrial
automation gateway 120 determines a current configuration 126 of
industrial automation gateway 120, (operation 200). Industrial
automation gateway 120 then requests a configuration update from
cloud automation facility 150 through cloud communication interface
122 and the cloud 140, (operation 202).
[0047] Industrial automation gateway 120 receives configuration
update 128 from cloud automation facility 150 through the cloud 140
and cloud communication interface 122, (operation 204). Industrial
automation gateway 120 implements configuration update 128 within
industrial automation gateway 120, (operation 206).
[0048] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a computer system
configured to operate as an industrial automation gateway 300, such
as industrial automation gateway 120 from FIG. 1.
[0049] Industrial automation node 300 includes cloud communication
interface 304, industrial communication interface 306, processor
308 coupled to cloud communication interface 304 and to industrial
communication interface 306, and a hardware memory 310 coupled to
processor 308. Memory 310 can be separate from or included in
processor 308.
[0050] The hardware memory 310 in the example shown includes
software 312. In some examples, software 312 comprises operating
instructions that configure the industrial automation gateway 300,
when executed by the industrial automation gateway 300 in general
or processor 308 in particular, to direct industrial automation
gateway 300 to perform industrial automation node operations. Other
data, such as operational data, may also be stored in hardware
memory 310. The software 312 in one example comprises at least a
configuration update module 314 and a configuration monitoring
module 316. The configuration update module 314 performs
configuration updates of the industrial automation gateway 300 in
some examples. The configuration monitoring module performs event
monitoring in the industrial automation devices 330-336 in some
examples.
[0051] Processor 308 may comprise a microprocessor and other
circuitry that retrieves and executes software 312 from hardware
memory 310. Processor 308 may be implemented within a single
processing device, but may also be distributed across multiple
processing devices or sub-systems that cooperate in executing
program instructions. Examples of processor 308 include general
purpose central processing units, application specific processors,
and logic devices, as well as any other type of processing device,
combinations, or variations.
[0052] Hardware memory 310 may comprise any computer readable
storage media readable by processor 308 and capable of storing
software 312. Hardware memory 310 may include volatile and
nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any
method or technology for storage of information, such as computer
readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other
data. Hardware memory 310 may be independent from or integrated
into processor 308. Hardware memory 310 can comprise additional
elements, such as a memory controller, capable of communicating
with processor 308. Examples of storage media include random access
memory, read only memory, magnetic disks, optical disks, flash
memory, virtual memory and non-virtual memory, magnetic cassettes,
magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage
devices, or any other suitable storage media. In no case is the
storage media a propagated signal.
[0053] In addition to storage media, in some implementations
hardware memory 310 may also include communication media over which
software 312 may be communicated internally or externally. Hardware
memory 310 may be implemented as a single storage device but may
also be implemented across multiple storage devices or sub-systems
co-located or distributed relative to each other. Hardware memory
310 may comprise additional elements capable of communicating with
processor 308 or possibly other systems.
[0054] Software 312 may be implemented in program instructions and
among other functions and may, when executed by processor 308,
direct processor 308 to operate as described herein. In particular,
the program instructions may include various components or modules
that cooperate or otherwise interact to implement at least a
portion of industrial automation gateway 300. The various
components or modules may be embodied in compiled or interpreted
instructions or in some other variation or combination of
instructions. The various components or modules may be executed in
a synchronous or asynchronous manner, in a serial or in parallel,
in a single threaded environment or multi-threaded, or in
accordance with any other suitable execution paradigm, variation,
or combination thereof. Software 312 in the examples comprises
computer programs, firmware, or some other form of machine-readable
processing instructions. Software 312 may include an operating
system, utilities, drivers, network interfaces, applications,
virtual machines, or some other type of software. Software 312 may
include additional processes, programs, or components, such as
operating system software or other application software. Software
312 may also comprise firmware or some other form of
machine-readable processing instructions executable by processor
308.
[0055] In general, software 312, when loaded into processor 308 and
executed, may transform a suitable apparatus, system, or device
from a general-purpose computing system into a special-purpose
computing system customized to perform a configuration update or
perform event monitoring, among other operations. Indeed, encoding
software 312 on the memory 310 may transform the physical structure
of the memory 310. The specific transformation of the physical
structure may depend on various factors in different
implementations of this description. Examples of such factors may
include, but are not limited to the technology used to implement
the storage media of the memory 310 and whether the
computer-storage media are characterized as primary or secondary
storage, as well as other factors.
[0056] In addition to software 312, memory 310 comprises dynamic
software container 318 that allows new software components with
additional functionality to be downloaded when the cloud
application detects a new configuration. Operation of dynamic
software container 318 is further illustrated by the flowchart of
FIG. 4. These new gateway components are bound into the currently
running system so as to dynamically enhance its operation without
interruption. In this way, industrial automation gateway 300 can
automatically extend its capabilities to speak new protocols and
connect new industrial automation devices 330-336 added by the
industrial customer on premises. This operation of industrial
automation gateway 300 is further illustrated by the flowchart of
FIG. 6.
[0057] Industrial automation gateway 300 can be configured to wake
up and discover any industrial automation devices 330-336 located
on its local LAN network. In this way, devices may not only be
discovered, but by using CIP messages industrial automation gateway
300 can query the exact product identification and its
configuration. This map of local devices 330-336 and their
configuration can then be communicated by industrial automation
gateway 300 to cloud automation facility 150 to update the cloud
model for these devices 330-336. This model is then used to
construct dashboards, reports, and analytics that will consume
real-time operational data conveyed from these devices 330-336 to
the cloud 140 by industrial automation gateway 300.
[0058] In the same way, periodic checks of local devices 330-336
can discover newly deployed devices 330-336 and their
configuration, and update the cloud model automatically. Cloud
service users are then notified of model changes so that they can
update dashboards, reports, and analytics as required. This
operation of industrial automation gateway 300 is further
illustrated by the flowchart of FIG. 5.
[0059] Cloud communication interface 304 may include communication
connections and devices that allow for communication with other
computing systems over a communication network or collection of
networks. Cloud communication interface 304 may include user input
and output devices for being controlled by a user.
[0060] Cloud communication interface 304 comprises a network card,
network interface, port, or interface circuitry that allows
industrial automation gateway 300 to communicate over a network or
networks. Cloud communication interface 304 may also include a
memory device, software, processing circuitry, or some other
device. Cloud communication interface 304 can use any suitable
communication protocol to exchange communications.
[0061] Cloud communication interface 304 may include components
that communicate over communication links, such as network cards,
ports, RF transceivers, processing circuitry and software, or other
communication components. Cloud communication interface 304 may be
configured to communicate over electrically conductive, wireless,
optical, or other links.
[0062] Cloud communication interface 304 can further include
components that interact with a user to receive user inputs and
user communications and to present media and/or information. These
components typically include a keyboard, display, indicator lights,
speakers, touch pads, microphone, buttons, mouse, or other user
input/output apparatus, including combinations thereof.
[0063] Industrial communication interface 306 may include
communication connections and devices that allow for communication
with other computing systems over a communication network or
collection of networks. Industrial communication interface 306 may
include user input and output devices for being controlled by a
user.
[0064] Industrial communication interface 306 comprises a network
card, network interface, port, or interface circuitry that allows
industrial automation gateway 300 to communicate over a network or
networks. Industrial communication interface 306 may also include a
memory device, software, processing circuitry, or some other
device. Industrial communication interface 306 can use any suitable
communication protocol to exchange communications.
[0065] Industrial communication interface 306 may include
components that communicate over communication links, such as
network cards, ports, RF transceivers, processing circuitry and
software, or other communication components. Industrial
communication interface 306 may be configured to communicate over
electrically conductive, wireless, optical, or other links.
[0066] Industrial communication interface 306 can further include
components that interact with a user to receive user inputs and
user communications and to present media and/or information. These
components typically include a keyboard, display, indicator lights,
speakers, touch pads, microphone, buttons, mouse, or other user
input/output apparatus, including combinations thereof.
[0067] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for the operation
of industrial automation gateway 300 in another example. In this
example, industrial automation gateway 300 receives configuration
update 322 within dynamic software container 318, (operation 400).
Dynamic software container 318 stores configuration update 322
within hardware memory 310 (operation 402). Dynamic software
container 318 binds the new software components into currently
running systems within industrial automation gateway 300 without
interrupting the currently running systems, (operation 404).
[0068] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for the operation
of industrial automation gateway 300 in further example. In this
example, industrial automation gateway 300 determines a current
configuration of one or more industrial automation devices 330-336
coupled with industrial automation gateway 300 through industrial
communication interface 306, (operation 500).
[0069] Industrial automation gateway 300 requests a configuration
update for the one or more industrial automation devices 330-336
from cloud automation facility 150, (operation 502). Industrial
automation gateway 300 receives the configuration update for the
one or more industrial automation devices 330-336 from cloud
automation facility 150, (operation 504). Industrial automation
gateway 300 implements the configuration update within the one or
more industrial automation devices 330-336, (operation 506).
[0070] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for the operation
of industrial automation gateway 300 in still another example. In
this example, industrial automation gateway 300 determines a
current configuration of one or more industrial automation devices
330-336 coupled with industrial automation gateway 300 through
industrial communication interface 306, (operation 600).
[0071] Industrial automation gateway 300 detects the addition of an
industrial automation device 330-336 to the one or more industrial
automation devices 330-336, (operation 602). Industrial automation
gateway 300 queries the added industrial automation device 330-336
to determine its identity and configuration, (operation 604).
[0072] Industrial automation gateway 300 requests a configuration
update for industrial automation gateway 300 regarding the added
industrial automation device based on its identity and
configuration from cloud automation facility 150, (operation 606).
Industrial automation gateway 300 then transfers configuration
update 322 to dynamic software container 318 to bind the new
software components into the currently running systems within
industrial automation gateway 300 without interrupting the
currently running systems, (operation 608).
[0073] The above description and associated figures teach the best
mode of the invention. The following claims specify the scope of
the invention. Note that some aspects of the best mode may not fall
within the scope of the invention as specified by the claims. Those
skilled in the art will appreciate that the features described
above can be combined in various ways to form multiple variations
of the invention. As a result, the invention is not limited to the
specific embodiments described above, but only by the following
claims and their equivalents.
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