Industrial control equipment based on industrial Internet platform and working method thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides an industrial control device based on an industrial Internet platform, comprising one or more industrial computers; the industrial computers at least comprise a field data interface module, a system access module, a database module, and a data processing module; wherein the field data interface module is used to directly interface with field equipment or field sensors via various field communication protocols; the system access module allows users to access the database within the industrial computer via a local browser or mobile phone app; the database module has fixed hard disk storage space; and the data processing module is used to process field data obtained by the field data interface module. The present invention also provides a working method for industrial control equipment based on an industrial Internet platform, comprising two aspects: the industrial computer controlling field equipment and collecting field data, and manually upgrading the industrial computer. The industrial computer of the present invention is installed locally on the user's site, and any gateway on the market can directly serve as a field data interface module without the need for any custom modification.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of industrial control equipment, and specifically relates to an industrial control device based on an industrial Internet platform and a working method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Industrial Internet cloud platforms support a wide range of applications, such as supply chain management, equipment operation and maintenance, production optimization, and energy conservation. Accordingly, there are many different types of Industrial Internet cloud platforms. The mainstream platforms are also IoT platforms, connecting to things—field equipment and production lines. Typically, an Industrial Internet cloud platform consists of a cloud computing module, a database module, a field data interface module, and a system access module. The cloud computing module implements all applications; the database stores all relevant data; the field data interface module serves as the IoT communication interface, communicating with field equipment and production lines; and the system access module supports the human-machine interface. Because many functions of the Industrial Internet platform run in the cloud, they offer numerous conveniences. For example, users can install and configure the cloud platform through a browser and access its various applications. Mobile access also offers a variety of methods, such as text messages and mobile apps. However, the Industrial Internet also has some shortcomings. For example, because the field data interface module resides in the cloud and only supports Internet communication protocols, connecting to field equipment / sensors requires a separate gateway or other module capable of communicating with the cloud. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an industrial control device based on an industrial Internet platform and a working method thereof, so as to solve the problems existing in the industrial Internet raised in the background technology.

[0004] To solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present invention provides an industrial control device based on an industrial Internet platform, characterized in that it includes one or more industrial computers; the industrial computers at least include a field data interface module, a system access module, a database module, and a data processing module; wherein,

[0005] The field data interface module is used to directly connect to field equipment or field sensors through various field communication protocols;

[0006] The system access module allows users to access the database in the industrial computer through a local browser, or connect to a local WiFi hotspot through a mobile phone and use an APP to connect and access;

[0007] The database module is used to store the data of the recent period in the industrial computer;

[0008] The data processing module is used to process the field data obtained by the field data interface module.

[0009] Furthermore, the industrial control equipment also includes a northbound interface; the northbound interface serves as a connection port between the industrial computer and the cloud management platform, and has an interface function for providing or receiving information upward. The data provided by the northbound interface includes data that the northbound interface can obtain from the field data interface, new data generated by the data processing module, and its own data; the northbound interface can accept data sent from the cloud.

[0010] The cloud management platform includes a cloud data interface module, a cloud computing module, a cloud database and a cloud system access module;

[0011] The cloud data interface module is connected to the northbound interface and is used to interact with the industrial computer for data;

[0012] The cloud computing module is used to process the data received by the cloud data interface module and run the applications provided by the cloud management platform;

[0013] The cloud database is used to store all cloud data;

[0014] The cloud system access module is a server that supports a human-computer interface. Users install and configure the cloud management platform through a browser or mobile phone and access various data and applications provided by the cloud management platform.

[0015] Preferably, the cloud management platform is configured with a mobile phone SMS push module. When the industrial computer generates a mobile phone notification message, the industrial computer sends the notification message to the cloud management platform. The cloud management platform sends the message to the mobile phone according to the configuration, and the user accesses the cloud management platform through mobile phone SMS messages.

[0016] Furthermore, the industrial computer is provided with a system upgrade touch button, and the user manually triggers the system upgrade touch button to perform manual update.

[0017] Among them, the database module of the cloud management platform stores a system upgrade program, and the cloud computing module has an application with system upgrade function. Users can perform remote system upgrades through web pages, mobile APP or mobile phone text messages.

[0018] The embodiments of the present invention further provide a method for operating an industrial control device based on an industrial Internet platform, which is characterized by including the following aspects:

[0019] (1) The industrial computer controls field equipment and collects field data: users access the system through a local browser, or connect their mobile phone to a local Wi-Fi hotspot and use a mobile phone app to connect to the system access module; the system access module connects to the data processing module, and the user runs the application in the data processing module; the data processing module controls the field equipment through the field data interface module and stores the new data collected by the field data interface module from the field sensors into the database module;

[0020] (2) Manually upgrade the industrial computer: The user manually triggers the system upgrade touch button to perform the system upgrade; the system upgrade touch button is connected to the data processing module, and the data processing module is installed with the system upgrade application. The data processing module calls the system upgrade program stored in the database module to perform manual upgrade.

[0021] Furthermore, a working method of industrial control equipment based on the Industrial Internet platform also includes the following aspects:

[0022] (3) Cloud remote operation

[0023] The industrial computer is connected to the cloud management platform in the north direction, and the industrial computer is accessed through the cloud platform;

[0024] (3-1) Remote control of field equipment: Users connect to the cloud system access module through a browser or mobile phone. The cloud system access module accesses the cloud computing module. The cloud computing module connects to the northbound interface of the industrial computer through the cloud data interface module. The cloud computing module sends data to the field data interface module of the industrial computer through the northbound interface to control the field equipment and receive new data collected by field sensors through the field data interface module to achieve remote configuration.

[0025] (3-2) Remote upgrade: Users can upgrade the industrial computer system through the cloud management platform;

[0026] (3-3) Remote monitoring: With user authorization, industrial computers can be operated and maintained by a third party in the cloud.

[0027] Furthermore, the system upgrade includes hardware upgrade and software upgrade, wherein the hardware upgrade only requires copying the configuration data and historical data of the old system to the new industrial computer; the software upgrade retains the original industrial computer hardware, and the software system is partially or completely updated; the software upgrade includes the following steps: a. download the new version; b. stop the old version; c. copy the system configuration; d. copy the database; e. start the new version.

[0028] The beneficial effects of the above technical solution of the present invention are as follows:

[0029] (1) The industrial control equipment based on the industrial Internet platform of the present invention includes one or more industrial computers, each of which includes at least a field data interface module, a system access module, a database module, and a data processing module. Since the industrial computers are installed locally on the user's site, gateways on the market can be directly used as field data interface modules without any customization or modification, thereby overcoming the shortcomings of the current industrial Internet and, at the same time, being able to give full play to the advantages of the industrial Internet.

[0030] (2) A northbound interface is added to the industrial computer in the present invention, which is connected to the cloud management platform. At this time, the industrial computer acts as a gateway and provides data to the cloud, including all data that can be accessed locally. All data usage is carried out on the cloud management platform. At the same time, when a northbound interface is set in the industrial computer, a mobile phone SMS push module can be added to enable the mobile phone to access the cloud management platform through SMS messages. Moreover, the cloud supports the installation of a remote browser, which can enable the remote browser to access the cloud management platform. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of an industrial computer in Example 1 of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the industrial computer and the cloud management platform in Example 2 of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of software upgrade in Example 1 or Example 2 of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The disclosed embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals are used throughout to designate similar or equivalent elements. The drawings are not drawn to scale and are provided solely for the purpose of illustrating certain disclosed aspects. Several disclosed aspects are described below with reference to example applications for illustration. It should be understood that numerous specific details, relationships, and methods are set forth to provide a complete understanding of the disclosed embodiments.

[0035] However, those skilled in the relevant art will readily recognize that the subject matter disclosed herein can be practiced without one or more of the specific details or using other methods. In other cases, well-known structures or operations are not shown in detail to avoid obscuring certain aspects. The present disclosure is not limited by the order of the illustrated actions or events, as some actions can occur in different orders and / or simultaneously with other actions or events. In addition, not all illustrated actions or events are required to implement the methods according to the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0036] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] Example 1

[0038] An industrial control device based on the industrial Internet platform, including one or more industrial computers; Figure 1 As shown, the industrial computer includes at least a field data interface module, a system access module, a database module, and a data processing module. The industrial control equipment of the present invention can use a single industrial computer to cover the entire field, or multiple industrial computers can be installed, each covering only a portion of the field. Multiple industrial computers can form different topological network architectures.

[0039] Among them, the field data interface module is used to directly connect with field equipment or field sensors through various field communication protocols; in the present invention, the field data interface module can realize all the functions of the industrial gateway, and the devices that the industrial gateway can connect to can be connected to the industrial computer, and the commonly used field data interfaces on the market can be used without the need for customization and modification.

[0040] The system access module allows users to access the database in the industrial computer through a local browser, or connect to a local WiFi hotspot through a mobile phone and use an APP to connect and access. Since the industrial computer is not necessarily connected to the public network, the mobile phone text messaging function is not supported. The mobile phone APP can connect to the local WiFi hotspot or access it through a local browser.

[0041] The hard disk storage space of the database module is fixed; the database module is used to store data in the industrial computer within a recent period of time to ensure that the problem of insufficient storage space will not be caused.

[0042] The data processing module is used to process the field data obtained by the field data interface module.

[0043] Preferably, the industrial computer is provided with a system upgrade touch button, and the user manually triggers the system upgrade touch button to perform manual update.

[0044] A method for operating industrial control equipment based on an industrial Internet platform, comprising:

[0045] (1) Industrial computers control on-site equipment and collect on-site data: users access the system through a local browser, or connect their mobile phones to a local Wi-Fi hotspot, and use a mobile phone APP to connect to the system access module; the system access module connects to the data processing module, and the user runs the application in the data processing module; the data processing module controls the on-site equipment through the on-site data interface module, and stores the new data collected by the on-site data interface module from the on-site sensors into the database module; the industrial Internet is brought into play through industrial computers.

[0046] (2) Manually upgrade the industrial computer: The user manually triggers the system upgrade touch button to perform the system upgrade; the system upgrade touch button is connected to the data processing module, and the data processing module is installed with the system upgrade application. The data processing module calls the system upgrade program stored in the database module to perform manual upgrade.

[0047] As a special application scenario, the industrial control device of the present invention can be isolated from the Internet and only connected to the on-site intranet.

[0048] The industrial control device of the present invention can also be connected to a local automation system, become a part of the automation system, provide cloud functions for the automation system, or become a new layer of management system above the automation system.

[0049] Example 2

[0050] The difference between Example 2 and Example 1 is that the industrial control device further includes a northbound interface; Figure 2 As shown, the northbound interface serves as a connection port between the industrial computer and the cloud management platform. It has an interface function for providing or receiving information upward. The data provided by the northbound interface includes data that the northbound interface can obtain from the field data interface, new data generated by the data processing module, and its own data; the northbound interface can accept data sent from the cloud.

[0051] The cloud management platform includes a cloud data interface module, a cloud computing module, a cloud database and a cloud system access module;

[0052] The cloud data interface module is connected to the northbound interface and is used to interact with the industrial computer for data;

[0053] The cloud computing module is used to process the data received by the cloud data interface module and run the applications provided by the cloud management platform;

[0054] The cloud database is used to store all cloud data;

[0055] The cloud system access module is a server that supports a human-computer interface. Users install and configure the cloud management platform through a browser or mobile phone and access various data and applications provided by the cloud management platform.

[0056] Preferably, the cloud management platform is configured with a mobile phone SMS push module. When the industrial computer generates a mobile phone notification message, the industrial computer sends the notification message to the cloud management platform. The cloud management platform sends the message to the mobile phone according to the configuration, and the user accesses the cloud management platform through mobile phone SMS messages.

[0057] Among them, the database module of the cloud management platform stores a system upgrade program, and the cloud computing module has an application with system upgrade function. Users can perform remote system upgrades through web pages, mobile APP or mobile phone text messages.

[0058] In an industrial control device based on an industrial Internet platform in this embodiment, an industrial computer is northboundly connected to a cloud management platform, and the industrial computer is accessed through the cloud platform. Therefore, the working method of the industrial control device also includes the following aspects:

[0059] (3) Cloud remote operation

[0060] (3-1) Remote control of on-site equipment and collection of on-site data: Users connect to the cloud system access module through a browser or mobile phone. The cloud system access module accesses the cloud computing module. The cloud computing module connects to the northbound interface of the industrial computer through the cloud data interface module. The cloud computing module sends data to the field data interface module of the industrial computer through the northbound interface to control the on-site equipment and receive new data collected by the on-site sensors through the field data interface module to achieve remote configuration.

[0061] (3-2) Remote Upgrade: Users can upgrade the system of the industrial computer through the cloud management platform. When the industrial computer is turned on and connected to the Internet, it can automatically connect to the cloud management platform to check and purchase the latest software version.

[0062] (3-3) Remote Monitoring: With user authorization, the industrial computer can be operated and maintained by a third party in the cloud. System operation and maintenance includes continuous supervision of the industrial computer, collection and monitoring of the industrial computer's resource usage, event / alarm recording and processing, system restart, etc.

[0063] In embodiment 2 of the present invention, a northbound interface is added to connect to the cloud management platform. At this time, the industrial computer is used as a gateway, and the industrial computer provides data to the cloud, including all data that can be accessed locally, and all data usage is carried out on the cloud management platform; at the same time, when a northbound interface is set in the industrial computer, a mobile phone SMS push module can be added to enable the mobile phone to access the cloud management platform through SMS information; moreover, the cloud supports the installation of remote browsers, which can enable remote browsers to access the cloud management platform.

[0064] In embodiment 1 or embodiment 2 of the present invention, the system upgrade includes hardware upgrade and software upgrade, wherein the hardware upgrade only requires copying the configuration data and historical data of the old system to the new industrial computer; the software upgrade retains the original industrial computer hardware and performs a partial or complete update of the software system; the software upgrade includes the following steps: a. downloading the new version; b. stopping the old version; c. copying the system configuration; d. copying the database; e. starting the new version, such as Figure 3 shown.

[0065] The present invention can replace many different hardware products in industrial sites, including gateways, switches, controllers, MES control systems and various industrial control computer products. The industrial control equipment of the present invention can be used wherever computers or industrial control computers are used.

[0066] Industrial computer security primarily encompasses information security and industrial control security. Information security prevents cyberattacks, while industrial control security prevents personal or financial damage on-site. In this invention, industrial computers provide both information security and industrial control security support. Information security can fully utilize the various methods employed by the Industrial Internet cloud platform. Industrial control security also encompasses hardware, such as using industrial computers tailored to specific environmental requirements rather than office PCs.

[0067] Industrial computers can have different levels of security depending on their security level. Method 1: Use a USB key. Along with the industrial computer, the user receives a USB hardware key containing authorization information. The industrial computer will only function if the USB key remains plugged in. The user can only use functions authorized by the USB key. Method 2: Code the system software within the industrial computer in conjunction with the hardware, ensuring that each system software can only run on the industrial computer it is installed on. This prevents the system software from being illegally copied and run on other industrial computers.

[0068] The above is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the present invention. These improvements and modifications should also be regarded as within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A working method of industrial control equipment based on the industrial Internet platform, characterized in that: Industrial control equipment based on the industrial Internet platform includes one or more industrial computers; the industrial computers at least include a field data interface module, a system access module, a database module, and a data processing module; wherein, The field data interface module is used to directly connect to field equipment or field sensors through various field communication protocols; The system access module allows users to access the database in the industrial computer through a local browser, or connect to a local WiFi hotspot through a mobile phone and use an APP to connect and access; The database module is used to store the data of the recent period in the industrial computer; The data processing module is used to process the field data obtained by the field data interface module; The industrial control device also includes a northbound interface; the northbound interface serves as a connection port between the industrial computer and the cloud management platform, and has an interface function of providing or receiving information upward. The data provided by the northbound interface includes data that the northbound interface can obtain from the field data interface, new data generated by the data processing module, and its own data; the northbound interface can also receive data sent from the cloud; The cloud management platform includes a cloud data interface module, a cloud computing module, a cloud database and a cloud system access module; wherein, The cloud data interface module is connected to the northbound interface and is used to interact with the industrial computer for data; The cloud computing module is used to process the data received by the cloud data interface module and run the applications provided by the cloud management platform; The cloud database is used to store all cloud data; The cloud system access module is a server that supports a human-machine interface. Users install and configure the cloud management platform through a browser or mobile phone and access various data and applications provided by the cloud management platform; The working method includes the following aspects: (1) The industrial computer controls on-site equipment and collects on-site data: users access the system through a local browser, or connect their mobile phone to a local Wi-Fi hotspot and use a mobile phone APP to connect to the system access module; the system access module connects to the data processing module, and the user runs the application in the data processing module; the data processing module controls the on-site equipment through the on-site data interface module, and stores the new data collected by the on-site data interface module from the on-site sensors in the database module; (2) Manual upgrade of industrial computers: users manually trigger the system upgrade touch button to perform system upgrade; the system upgrade touch button is connected to the data processing module, and the data processing module is installed with the system upgrade application. The data processing module calls the system upgrade program stored in the database module to perform manual upgrade; It also includes the following aspects: (3) Cloud remote operation The industrial computer is connected to the cloud management platform in the north direction, and the industrial computer is accessed through the cloud platform; (3-1) Remote control of field equipment: Users connect to the cloud system access module through a browser or mobile phone. The cloud system access module accesses the cloud computing module. The cloud computing module connects to the northbound interface of the industrial computer through the cloud data interface module. The cloud computing module sends data to the field data interface module of the industrial computer through the northbound interface to control the field equipment and receive new data collected by field sensors through the field data interface module to achieve remote configuration. (3-2) Remote upgrade: Users can upgrade the industrial computer system through the cloud management platform; (3-3) Remote monitoring: With user authorization, industrial computers can be operated and maintained in the cloud by a third party.

2. The working method of an industrial control device based on an industrial Internet platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cloud management platform is equipped with a mobile phone SMS push module. When the industrial computer generates a mobile phone notification message, the industrial computer sends the notification message to the cloud management platform. The cloud management platform sends the message to the mobile phone according to the configuration, and the user accesses the cloud management platform through the mobile phone SMS message.

3. The working method of industrial control equipment based on the industrial Internet platform according to claim 2 is characterized in that: The industrial computer is provided with a system upgrade touch button, and the user manually triggers the system upgrade touch button to perform manual update.

4. The working method of industrial control equipment based on the industrial Internet platform according to claim 3 is characterized in that: The database module of the cloud management platform stores a system upgrade program, and the cloud computing module has an application with a system upgrade function. Users can perform remote system upgrades through web pages, mobile phone APPs or mobile phone text messages.

5. The working method of industrial control equipment based on the industrial Internet platform according to claim 4 is characterized in that: The system upgrade includes hardware upgrade and software upgrade. Among them, the hardware upgrade only requires copying the configuration data and historical data of the old system to the new industrial computer; the software upgrade retains the original industrial computer hardware and updates the software system partially or completely; the software upgrade includes the following steps: a. download the new version; b. stop the old version; c. copy the system configuration; d. copy the database; e. start the new version.

Images