Internet of Things linkage device and method for existing fieldbus-based automatic control system

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and device for linking an existing fieldbus-based automatic control system with an Internet of Things system at the lower level of each system. A linkage device applicable to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a fieldbus connection unit, connected to the automatic control system based on a fieldbus communication protocol; an Internet of Things connection unit, connected to the Internet of Things system based on an Internet of Things communication protocol; a fieldbus virtual input and output memory, used to link the input and output information of the two systems; a message forming unit, used to form input and output messages; and a message processing unit, used to process the input and output messages. The linkage method applicable to one embodiment of the present invention can variably form input and output messages by receiving message metadata from the Internet of Things system that also includes addresses related to input and output messages of the fieldbus virtual input and output memory, and can flexibly represent various input and output information of the automatic control system and process the input and output messages.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and method for linking an existing automatic control system to the Internet of Things (IoT). Specifically, the present invention relates to a linkage device that operates as a subordinate device in both the existing fieldbus-based automatic control system and the IoT system, and a method for linking the automatic control system and the IoT system through virtual input and output of the linkage device. Background Art

[0002] The Internet of Things is a method or technology for connecting things to the Internet and is a universally shared conceptual expression. In the present invention, the Internet of Things system is defined as a system that builds the Internet of Things and can be used by general users. The Internet of Things system consists of an Internet of Things communication protocol (IoT protocol), an IoT device (IoT device) that transmits and receives information from sensors and actuators through the IoT communication protocol, and an IoT platform (IoT platform) that integrates and manages the information of IoT devices and provides users with status monitoring and setting change functions of IoT devices. The IoT platform and IoT devices have a superior-subordinate relationship. Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram related to this. IoT devices and the IoT platform exchange information using messages to read input information and input and output messages to write output information. To enable the IoT system to identify the input and output information of IoT devices, the IoT system builder (integrator) must register message metadata that defines the input and output messages of IoT devices with the IoT system.

[0003] An automatic control system is a system that automatically controls the input value of a controlled object so that the output value of the controlled object is consistent with a preset target value. An automatic control system consists of a fieldbus communication protocol, an input-output device that sends and receives information from sensors and actuators via the fieldbus communication protocol, and an operation device that integrates and manages the information of the input-output device and provides the user with the function of monitoring the status of the input-output device and changing the settings. The operation device and the input-output device have a hierarchical relationship. Figure 2 It is a concept map related to it.

[0004] Figure 3This is an example of the use of the original automatic control system. In the original automatic control system built before the concept of the Internet of Things was generally established and its standards were determined, users monitored and managed the input and output devices through the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. To this end, the builder of the automatic control system needs to program the tasks of the SCADA system and build a user interface (UI), and at the same time program the tasks of the operating device. In the case of linking multiple automatic control systems, it is necessary to adopt a method of configuring the wide-area SCADA system in a superior position to the original SCADA system. In a typical automatic control system, the SCADA system can be included in the automatic control system as needed, or it can replace the function of the operating device. In addition to the function of operating the automatic control system, the operating device can also include the function of the input and output device. Input / output devices can be devices used to process digital input (DI), digital output (DO), analog input (AI), analog output (AO), and other special input or output information. The actual input and output information is expressed as electrical signals such as voltage, current, and resistance. When the I / O device is a digital input (DI), the input information is collected from an external digital output (DO) or on-off sensor. When the I / O device is a digital output (DO), its output information is transmitted to an external digital input (DI) or on-off actuator. When the I / O device is an analog input (AI), the input information is collected from an external analog output (AO) or multi-level sensor. When the I / O device is an analog output (AO), its output information is transmitted to an external analog input (AI) or multi-level actuator. The input and output device can process multiple composite input and output information.

[0005] Figure 4This is an example of a physical network system. IoT system users access the IoT platform through a website or app to monitor and manage IoT devices. To do this, IoT system builders must register the input and output information of IoT devices on the IoT platform and create a user interface (UI). Typically, the input and output of IoT devices are physically fixed, and therefore their message metadata is also fixed. Changes can only be made to exclude unused message metadata.

[0006] Figure 5 These are three use cases for leveraging existing IoT technologies to link IoT systems with existing automated control systems. Similar to the method for linking multiple automated control systems, a gateway is deployed above the existing automated control system. The gateway must fulfill the fundamental role of conforming fieldbus communication protocols to IoT communication protocols and integrating the diverse information management systems of various SCADA manufacturers into the IoT information management system. Furthermore, depending on the configuration of the automated control system shown in the use case, the gateway may also function as an operating device, SCADA, or wide-area SCADA system. When a gateway performs multiple functions, it is referred to as an edge or fog. When deploying a gateway between the IoT system and the automated control system, the builder must perform tasks such as integrating the gateway's communication protocol, integrating the information management system, programming tasks, and setting up the user interface (UI). In other words, using a gateway to link IoT systems with existing automated control systems requires extensive knowledge and a complex approach. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a linkage device and linkage method that can simplify construction work by minimizing the knowledge that builders need to learn when linking existing fieldbus-based automatic control systems.

[0008] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides a linkage device for a physical network system and an automatic control system, which is configured at the lower level of an Internet of Things platform and at the lower level of an operating device. The linkage device includes: a fieldbus connection unit, which is connected to the operating device based on the fieldbus communication protocol and operates as an input / output device; a fieldbus virtual input / output memory, which stores input / output information exchanged with the operating device; an Internet of Things connection unit, which is connected to the Internet of Things platform based on the Internet of Things communication protocol and operates as an Internet of Things device; a message formation unit, which applies message metadata received from the Internet of Things platform via the Internet of Things connection unit; and a message processing unit, which processes input / output messages based on the message metadata and input / output information. Specifically, the message metadata received by the linkage device from the Internet of Things platform includes the address of the fieldbus virtual input / output memory. The linkage device is suitable for linkage between an automatic control system connected via the existing fieldbus communication protocol and an Internet of Things system connected via the Internet of Things communication protocol in an Ethernet communication network or via a low-power wide area (LPWA) connection.

[0009] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides a linkage method for an Internet of Things system and an automatic control system, capable of generating variable input / output messages based on the addresses of fieldbus virtual input / output memories contained in message metadata. The linkage method comprises: a message formation step receiving and applying message metadata including the addresses of fieldbus virtual input / output memories from an Internet of Things system; and a message processing step processing the input / output message based on the message metadata and the input / output information of the fieldbus virtual input / output memories. Specifically, the message formation step in the linkage method comprises: a message formation unit verifying the message metadata based on the addresses of the fieldbus virtual input / output memories and extracting the message metadata that needs to be applied. Specifically, the message processing step in the linkage method, when linking an input message in an input / output message with output information in the input / output information, comprises: a message processing unit recognizing a change in the message metadata setting monitored output information based on the addresses of the fieldbus virtual input / output memories associated with the output information linked to the input message contained in the message metadata; and a message processing unit detecting a condition that needs to be reported to the Internet of Things platform from the monitored output information, generating an input message based on the message metadata and transmitting the message to the Internet of Things platform. Specifically, the message processing step of the linkage method, when linking an output message in an input / output message with input information in the input / output information, includes a step in which a message processing unit updates the input information based on the address of a fieldbus virtual input / output memory associated with the input information linked to the output message, contained in the message metadata. The linkage method provides input / output message linkage not only when the linkable input / output information is fixed, but also when it is added, deleted, or modified. Furthermore, it provides input / output message linkage not only through input information or output information alone, but also through composite input / output information.

[0010] Through the linkage device and linkage method of the present invention, to link existing automatic control systems not compatible with IoT technology to an IoT system, the builder of the linkage device only needs to install the linkage device and connect the communication networks on both sides. The actual linkage process is performed by the builder of the automatic control system and the builder of the IoT system. The builder of the IoT system only needs to learn how to control the input and output information stored in the fieldbus virtual input and output memory configured within the linkage device based on the address. Overall, this invention simplifies the builder's work compared to linkage using a gateway. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram related to the relationship between the IoT platform and IoT devices in the IoT system.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a conceptual diagram related to the relationship between operating devices and input and output devices in an automatic control system.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a conventional automatic control system including a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of an IoT system composed only of IoT devices.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating three examples of linking the IoT system and the automatic control system using a gateway.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating the linkage between an Internet of Things system and an automatic control system to which one embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a linkage device according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The present invention is capable of various modifications and embodiments. Specific embodiments will be illustrated and described in detail in the accompanying drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to any specific implementation. Rather, the present invention should be understood to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and even alternatives within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. Similar reference numerals are used to designate similar components in the description of the drawings.

[0019] When describing various components, terms such as "first," "second," "A," and "B" may be used, but the components are not limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from other components. For example, without departing from the scope of the claims of the present invention, the first component can be named "second component," and similarly, the second component can be named "first component." Terms and / or include a combination of multiple related recorded items or a single item from multiple related recorded items.

[0020] When a component is described as being “connected” or “connected” to another component, it may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but it should be understood that other components may exist between the two components. Conversely, when a component is described as being “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another component, it should be understood that no other components exist between the two components.

[0021] The terms used in this application are only used to illustrate specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, singular statements also include plural meanings. In this application, terms such as "including" or "having" are only used to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, actions, constituent elements, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should not be understood as excluding in advance the possibility that one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, constituent elements, parts, or combinations thereof may exist or be added.

[0022] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meanings as those commonly understood by persons having ordinary knowledge of the technical field to which this invention belongs. Commonly used terms defined in dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the context of the relevant technology and should not be interpreted in an exaggerated or formal sense unless otherwise explicitly defined in this application.

[0023] Next, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] As exemplified below, the linkage device applicable to the present invention is included in the automatic control system as one of the input and output devices, and is included in the Internet of Things system as one of the Internet of Things devices. Therefore, the linkage device exists at the lower level of the operating device and at the lower level of the Internet of Things platform. In addition, the configuration of the linkage device applicable to the present invention includes: a fieldbus connection part, which is connected to the operating device of the automatic control system through a fieldbus communication protocol; a fieldbus virtual input and output memory, which is used to store input and output information that needs to be exchanged with the operating device; an Internet of Things connection part, which is connected to the Internet of Things platform of the Internet of Things system through an Internet of Things communication protocol; a message forming part, which is used to receive and apply message metadata from the Internet of Things platform; and a message processing part, which processes the message based on the message metadata and the input and output information of the fieldbus virtual input and output memory. In addition, the linkage method applicable to the present invention includes addresses related to each input and output information of the fieldbus virtual input and output memory in the message metadata, thereby simplifying the business that needs to be performed by the builder during the linkage process.

[0025] Fieldbus communication protocols applicable to the linkage device of the present invention include communication protocols included in standards such as IEC 61784, IEC 62026, ISO 11898, ISO 16484, ISO 11783, IEC 14543, IEC 14908, IEC 61375, and ISO 11519, as well as communication protocols not included in the standards.also includes protocols with independent names such as FF H1 (FoundationFieldbus H1), FF HSE (FF High Speed Ethernet), CIP (Common Industrial Protocol), ControlNet, DeviceNet, PROFIBUS (PROcess FIeld BUS), PROFINET (PROcess FIeldNET), P-NET (Process NETwork), WorldFIP (World Factory Instrumentation Protocol), INTERBUS, CC-Link (Control&Communication Link), HART (Highway Addressable RemoteTransducer protocol), WirelessHART, SERCOS (SErial Realtime COmmunicationsSystem), MECHATROLINK, Vnet / IP, TCnet, EtherCAT (Ethernet for Control AutomationTechnology), Ethernet POWERLINK, MODBUS RTU, MODBUS ASCII, MODBUS TCP, RAPIEnet (Realtim Automation Protocols for Industrial Ethernet), SafetyNET, ADS-net, FL-net, AS-i (Actuator Sensor interface), BACS (Building Automation and ControlSystem), BACnet (Building Automation and Control network), CAN (Control AreaNetwork), CANopen, Instabus (Installation bus), ISOBUS, LonWorks, TCN (TrainCommunication Network), MVB (Multifunction Vehicle Bus), WTB (Wire Train Bus), SDS (Smart Distributed System), and VAN (Vehicle Area Network).

[0026] IoT communication protocols applicable to the linkage device of the present invention include Ethernet communication networks such as HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol), HTTPS (HTTP Secure), MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport), MQTTS (MQTT Secure), AMQP (Advanced Message Queuing Protocol), and CoAP (Constrained Application Protocol), and information is expressed using XML (eXtensible Markup Language) and JSON (JavaScript Object Notation). When the linkage device is connected to the IoT platform via a low-power wide-area (LPWA) communication network because it is difficult to connect directly to the Ethernet communication network, IoT communication protocols such as Sigfox, LoRa, Weithless, Wize, LTE-M, Telensa, Nwave, NB-Fi, MIoTy, LTE-Advanced, 5G, NB-ToT, Wi-SUN, and DASH7 are used, and information is expressed using character strings and number strings.

[0027] Figure 6 The linkage between an automatic control system and an Internet of Things system applicable to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0028] See Figure 6 The linkage device 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention is connected to the other input / output devices 221, 222, 223, and 224 downstream of the operating device 210 via the same fieldbus communication protocol 020. The aforementioned automatic control system is a common configuration, so when the builder of the automatic control system adds a linkage device, there is no significant difference compared to adding existing input / output devices. This simplifies the linkage work of the builder of the automatic control system to a routine level.

[0029] Furthermore, the linkage device 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention is connected to the lower level of the IoT platform 100 via the IoT communication protocol 010. In a gateway configured with different devices at the lower level, the builder needs to specify services for managing the lower level devices. However, the linkage device 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention can simplify the linkage process to simply adding services for general IoT devices.

[0030] Figure 7 The structure of a linkage device according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in the drawings.

[0031] See Figure 7 The linkage device 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a fieldbus connection unit 310, a fieldbus virtual input / output memory 311, an Internet of Things connection unit 320, a message generation unit 321, and a message processing unit. In a linkage method according to one embodiment of the present invention, the builder of the automatic control system can assign input / output information to be linked to the fieldbus virtual input / output memory 311 and share the address and data type of each assigned input / output information with the Internet of Things builder. The Internet of Things builder can then further define the addresses of the input / output messages in the message metadata, thereby variably defining the input / output messages.

[0032] The above content describes the present invention with reference to the preferred embodiments, but those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention can be modified and changed in various ways without departing from the scope of the invention and the field of the invention as described in the appended claims.

[0033] Description of reference numerals:

[0034] 010: A general term for IoT communication protocols

[0035] 011, 012, 013: IoT communication protocols applicable to IoT devices in the constructed IoT system

[0036] 020: A general term for fieldbus communication protocols

[0037] 021, 022, 023: Fieldbus communication protocols for input and output devices in the constructed automatic control system

[0038] 100: A general term for IoT platforms

[0039] 101: IoT platform for the IoT system you build

[0040] 111: Gateway located at the upper level of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system

[0041] 112: Gateway located above the operating device

[0042] 113: Gateway located above the input and output devices

[0043] 120: A general term for IoT devices

[0044] 121, 122, 123: IoT devices suitable for the constructed IoT system

[0045] 201: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) for the constructed automatic control system

[0046] 210: General term for operating devices

[0047] 211, 212: Operating devices suitable for the constructed automatic control system

[0048] 220: A general term for input and output devices

[0049] 221, 225, 227: Digital input devices suitable for the constructed automatic control system

[0050] 222, 226: Digital output devices suitable for the constructed automatic control system

[0051] 223: Analog input device suitable for the constructed automatic control system

[0052] 224: Analog output device suitable for the constructed automatic control system

[0053] 300: Linkage

[0054] 301: Message metadata

[0055] 302: Applicable message metadata

[0056] 303: Input and output messages

[0057] 310: Fieldbus connection

[0058] 311: Fieldbus virtual input and output memory

[0059] 320: Internet of Things Connection Department

[0060] 321: Message Formation Unit

[0061] 322: Message processing department.

Claims

1. A linkage device, As a device for linking the automatic control system with the Internet of Things system, it includes: A fieldbus connection part, connected to the automatic control system based on a fieldbus communication protocol; Fieldbus virtual input and output memory, used to store the input and output information of the linkage objects; An IoT connection unit, connected to the IoT system based on an IoT communication protocol; and a message processing unit that processes input and output messages based on the message metadata received from the IoT system via the IoT connection unit and the input and output information stored in the fieldbus virtual input and output memory; The message metadata includes the address of the fieldbus virtual input and output memory, The field bus virtual input and output memory is used to store predefined addresses and data types of input and output information of each linkage object.

2. The linkage device according to claim 1, The fieldbus communication protocol is IEC 61784, IEC 62026, ISO 11898, ISO 16484, ISO 11783, IEC 14543, IEC 14908, IEC 61375, ISO 11519, FF H1, FF HSE, CIP, ControlNet, DeviceNet, PROFIBUS, PROFINET, P-NET, WorldFIP, INTERBUS, CC-Link, HART, WirelessHART, SERCOS, MECHATROLINK, Vnet / IP, TCnet, EtherCAT, Ethernet POWERLINK, MODBUS RTU, MODBUS ASCII, MODBUS TCP, RAPIEnet, SafeNet, ADS-net, FL-net, AS-i, BACS, BACnet, CAN, CANopen, Ins At least one of abus, IS OBUS, LonWorks, TCN, MVB, WTB, SDS and VAN.

3. The linkage device according to claim 1, The Internet of Things communication protocol is at least one of HTTP, HTTPS, MQTT, MQTTS, AMQP and CoAP.

4. The linkage device according to claim 1, The Internet of Things connection unit, Connected to the IoT system via a low-power wide-area communication network, The IoT communication protocol is one of Sigfox, LoRa, Weitherless, Wize, LTE-M, Telensa, Nwave, NB-Fi, MIoTy, LTE-Advanced, 5G, NB-ToT, Wi-SUN and DASH7.

5. The linkage device according to claim 1, further comprising: The message forming unit verifies the message metadata received from the IoT system via the IoT connecting unit using the address of the fieldbus virtual input / output memory associated with each linkage object input / output information included in the message metadata, thereby extracting applicable object message metadata.

6. The linkage device according to claim 1, The message processing unit, Recognize the change of the message metadata, and set the monitoring object output information based on the address of the output information of the input-output information linked to the input message of the input-output message contained in the message metadata; when a situation that needs to be reported to the Internet of Things system is detected from the monitoring object output information, generate the input message based on the message metadata and transmit it to the Internet of Things system, thereby linking the input message of the input-output message with the output information of the input-output information.

7. The linkage device according to claim 1, The message processing unit, The input information is updated based on the address of the input information of the input / output information linked to the output message of the input / output message included in the message metadata, thereby linking the output message of the input / output message with the input information of the input / output information.

8. A linkage method between an automatic control system and an Internet of Things system, The method is performed by linking an automatic control system with an Internet of Things system, comprising: The steps of receiving message metadata from the Internet of Things system and forming input and output messages using the received message metadata; as well as, a step of processing the formed input / output message based on the received message metadata and the linkage object input / output information stored in the fieldbus virtual input / output memory of the linkage device; The message metadata includes the address of the fieldbus virtual input and output memory. The field bus virtual input and output memory is used to store predefined addresses and data types of input and output information of each linkage object.

9. The linkage method between the automatic control system and the Internet of Things system according to claim 8, The step of forming input and output messages includes: The step of verifying the message metadata based on the address of the fieldbus virtual input / output memory related to each linkage object input / output information contained in the message metadata and thereby extracting the applicable object message metadata.

10. The linkage method between the automatic control system and the Internet of Things system according to claim 8, The step of processing the generated input and output messages includes: a step of linking the input message of the input / output message with the output information of the input / output information; The step of linking the input message of the input / output message with the output information of the input / output information includes: a step of recognizing a change in the message metadata and setting output information of a monitoring target based on the address of the output information linked to the input message included in the message metadata; as well as, When a condition that needs to be reported to the Internet of Things system is detected from the monitored object output information, the input message is generated based on the message metadata and transmitted to the Internet of Things system.

11. The linkage method between the automatic control system and the Internet of Things system according to claim 8, The step of processing the generated input and output messages includes: A step of linking the output message of the input and output message with the input information of the input and output information; The step of linking the output message of the input / output message with the input information of the input / output information includes: A step of updating the input information based on the address of the input information linked to the output message included in the message metadata.

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