An edge computing gateway device with clock synchronization calibration function

Abstract

The application discloses an edge computing gateway device with clock synchronization calibration function, comprising a SCADA application management module, a collection management module, a calculation management module and a storage management module, wherein the SCADA application management module is electrically connected with the collection management module; when different gateway devices are connected, if the gateway devices have the ability to communicate with a third-party system through a webAPI interface, the SCADA application management module can be directly connected with the edge computing gateway device of the application, and the NTP clock obtained through the network can be used for clock synchronization calibration of multiple devices; if the gateway devices do not have the ability to communicate with the third-party system, the communication ability of the webAPI interface can be realized by using an additional debugging plug-in unit in the SCADA application management module, so that the clock synchronization calibration function of the edge computing gateway device is realized, the data collection timing between different gateway devices is consistent, and the process error caused by the interlocking control of the devices is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of edge computing gateway devices, specifically relating to an edge computing gateway device with clock synchronization calibration function. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, with the rise of cloud computing and edge computing, more and more industrial internet devices are being introduced. Among them, edge computing gateways are the data acquisition and control devices closest to industrial sensors and controllers. Due to the distribution of industrial data acquisition and control points, multiple edge computing gateways need to be used. Therefore, ensuring the consistency of data acquisition and control and synchronizing the clocks between devices is the most basic application requirement.

[0003] Currently available edge computing gateway devices typically use GPS timing combined with the crystal oscillator of the device chip for clock and synchronization. However, many edge computing gateway networks operate within an intranet and cannot obtain an internet clock. In practical applications, the specific nature of edge computing gateway scenarios makes it difficult to guarantee successful GPS signal reception, leading to timing errors between different edge computing gateway devices. This results in inconsistent data acquisition timing between different gateways and process errors caused by interlocking device controls. Therefore, we need to propose an edge computing gateway device with clock synchronization and calibration capabilities to solve these problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an edge computing gateway device with clock synchronization calibration function. Through the cooperation of SCADA application management module, acquisition management module, computing management module and storage management module, the edge computing gateway device clock synchronization calibration function can be realized when different gateway devices are connected, so as to make the data acquisition timing consistent between different gateway devices, reduce the process error caused by device interlocking control, and solve the problems in the prior art mentioned in the background.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] An edge computing gateway device with clock synchronization calibration function includes a SCADA application management module, a data acquisition management module, a computing management module, and a storage management module. The SCADA application management module is electrically connected to the data acquisition management module, the data acquisition management module is electrically connected to the computing management module, and the computing management module is electrically connected to the storage management module.

[0007] The SCADA application management module includes a connection unit with a web API interface, a communication unit for easy communication with third-party systems, and an external debugging plugin unit. The connection unit is electrically connected to the communication unit, and the communication unit is electrically connected to the external debugging plugin unit.

[0008] Preferably, the connection unit includes multiple web API interfaces and a USB interface. One end of the USB interface can be connected to a third-party system via a USB connection cable, and the web API interface can be directly connected to the API interface of the third-party system.

[0009] Preferably, the communication unit includes an NTP time server that obtains an NTP clock via a network and a wireless communication module. The NTP time server is electrically connected to the wireless communication module. The communication unit is used to obtain the NTP clock via the network to perform clock synchronization calibration on the edge computing gateway device.

[0010] Preferably, the wireless communication module is configured as a wireless RF433 chip, which broadcasts clock signals to electronic clocks within a wireless range via an NTP time server to achieve synchronization correction.

[0011] Preferably, the external debugging plug-in unit is used to enable the communication capability of the web API interface when the third-party system does not have communication capability, thereby realizing the clock synchronization calibration function of the edge computing gateway device.

[0012] Preferably, the additional debugging plugin unit includes a PostWoman Http interface debugging plugin or an ApiDebugHttp interface debugging plugin. The PostWoman Http interface debugging plugin and the ApiDebug Http interface debugging plugin can be used independently, and the data can be stored locally or synchronized to the cloud.

[0013] Preferably, the acquisition and management module is used to acquire data information from multiple sensing devices, including analog signals, switch signals, files, and audio / video files.

[0014] Preferably, the computing management module is used to perform edge computing on the data information collected by the acquisition management module and to perform local control calculations based on the local analysis and calculation results in order to control multiple sensing devices.

[0015] Preferably, the storage management module includes a CPU and multiple memories. The CPU is electrically connected to the multiple memories. The CPU is used to manage the multiple memories. The memories are used to store and back up the edge computing results and local control computing results of the computing management module.

[0016] Preferably, it also includes a capacity monitoring module, which is used to monitor container restarts, CPU utilization, memory usage, or storage resource overruns of multiple storage devices.

[0017] The edge computing gateway device with clock synchronization calibration function proposed in this invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0018] This invention, through the cooperation of SCADA application management module, acquisition management module, computing management module, and storage management module, enables different gateway devices to be connected. If the gateway device has the ability to communicate with third-party systems via a web API interface, the SCADA application management module can directly interface with the edge computing gateway device of this invention to perform clock synchronization calibration on multiple devices using the NTP clock obtained from the network. If the gateway device does not have the ability to communicate with third-party systems, an external debugging plug-in unit in the SCADA application management module can be used to implement the communication capability of the web API interface, thereby realizing the clock synchronization calibration function of the edge computing gateway device, ensuring consistent data acquisition timing between different gateway devices, and reducing process errors caused by interlocking control of devices. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a system block diagram of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection of multiple edge computing gateway devices according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The specific embodiments described herein are merely used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] This invention provides, for example Figure 1 The edge computing gateway device shown includes a SCADA application management module, an acquisition management module, a computing management module, and a storage management module. The SCADA application management module is electrically connected to the acquisition management module, the acquisition management module is electrically connected to the computing management module, and the computing management module is electrically connected to the storage management module. The SCADA application management module includes a connection unit with a web API interface, a communication unit for facilitating communication with third-party systems, and an external debugging plug-in unit. The connection unit is electrically connected to the communication unit, and the communication unit is electrically connected to the external debugging plug-in unit.

[0023] When connecting different gateway devices, if the device has the ability to communicate with third-party systems via a web API interface, the SCADA application management module can directly interface with the edge computing gateway device of this invention and perform clock synchronization calibration on multiple devices using the NTP clock obtained from the network. If the device does not have the ability to communicate with third-party systems, the external debugging plug-in unit in the SCADA application management module can be used to realize the communication capability of the web API interface, thereby realizing the clock synchronization calibration function of the edge computing gateway device, ensuring consistent data acquisition timing between different gateway devices, and reducing process errors caused by interlocking control of devices.

[0024] The connection unit includes multiple web API interfaces and USB interfaces. One end of the USB interface can be connected to a third-party system via a USB connection cable. The web API interface can be directly connected to the API interface of a third-party system. It can also be directly connected to other gateway devices that have the ability to communicate with third-party systems via the web API interface, and to other gateway devices that do not have the ability to communicate with third-party systems via the USB interface. The USB connection cable utilizes the USB port to realize many applications such as internal and external network isolation, small distributed servers, USB point-to-point communication, USB point-to-multipoint communication, optical drive sharing, data sharing, network sharing, networking, keyboard and mouse sharing, clipboard sharing, and file sharing.

[0025] The communication unit includes an NTP time server that acquires an NTP clock via the network and a wireless communication module. The NTP time server and the wireless communication module are electrically connected. The communication unit is used to acquire the NTP clock via the network to perform clock synchronization calibration on the edge computing gateway device. The NTP time server is used for time synchronization of local area network servers, ensuring that all servers in the local area network keep their time consistent with the time server. The SP-SS06NTP time synchronization server features strong anti-interference capabilities, low power consumption, multi-platform and multi-system support, and fault alarm functions, providing network devices (users) with accurate, standard, secure, reliable, and multifunctional time synchronization services.

[0026] The wireless communication module is configured with a wireless RF433 chip. The wireless RF433 chip broadcasts clock signals to electronic clocks within the wireless range through an NTP time server to achieve synchronization correction. This eliminates the need for wiring, improves communication convenience, and avoids the hassle of wiring.

[0027] The external debugging plugin unit is used to enable communication capabilities of the web API interface when the third-party system lacks communication capabilities, thereby achieving clock synchronization and calibration of the edge computing gateway device. The external debugging plugin unit includes either the PostWoman HTTP interface debugging plugin or the ApiDebug HTTP interface debugging plugin. Both plugins can be used independently, and data can be stored locally or synchronized to the cloud. The PostWoman HTTP interface debugging plugin can be installed and used without crossing the Great Firewall and has a complete interface management system (postwoman.cn can be deployed on an intranet). Postwoman supports interface and documentation management. The product was developed by BAT (Baidu, Alibaba, Tencent) and possesses rich experience in interface development and debugging. The product is constantly updated and iterated, making it more suitable for domestic users.

[0028] The acquisition management module is used to collect data information from multiple sensing devices, including analog signals, digital signals, files, and audio / video files. The module can use different media interfaces and protocols such as Modbus.MQTT, IEC101, IEC104, and DL / T645 to collect data from multiple sensing devices in real time, including analog signals, digital signals, files, and audio / video files. The acquisition management module processes the collected real-time information by performing validity checks, engineering value conversions, signal changes, and coefficient calculations. It can then transmit the collected real-time data, including analog and digital signals, along with data quality descriptions, to the calculation management module.

[0029] The computing management module is used to perform edge computing on the data information collected by the acquisition management module and to perform local control calculations based on the local analysis and calculation results to control multiple sensing devices. The computing management module can perform formula calculations on the collected real-time data and can perform data cleaning according to certain rules. The computing management module supports RPC (Remote Procedure Call) mode design and can perform calculations locally or in the management area.

[0030] The storage management module includes a CPU and multiple memory units. The CPU is electrically connected to the memory units, which manage the memory units. The memory units store and back up the edge computing results and on-site control computing results from the computing management module. The module also includes a combination of CPU cores, memory, storage resources, and interface resources. Each memory unit runs its own application software. In other words, the storage management module provides the function of allocating the number of CPU cores, memory, storage resources, and interface resources for container operation, supporting container operation management, including container startup and shutdown.

[0031] It also includes a capacity monitoring module, which monitors container restarts, CPU utilization, memory utilization, or storage resource limits across multiple storage devices. In other words, the capacity monitoring module has container monitoring capabilities, including monitoring for container restarts, CPU utilization, memory utilization, and storage resource limits. When storage resources exceed limits or a storage device restarts, an alarm needs to be reported. When CPU utilization and memory utilization exceed limits, an alarm needs to be triggered and the storage device restarted.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, in actual use, the SCADA application management module is connected to the edge computing gateway device through a switch. The switch can connect multiple edge computing gateway devices, two of which are connected to electricity meters and water meters, and the other edge computing gateway device is connected to the PLC control device.

[0033] When connecting different gateway devices through the SCADA application management module, the following two situations exist:

[0034] A. If it has the ability to communicate with third-party systems through web API interfaces, it can directly interface with the edge computing gateway device of this invention through the SCADA application management module, and perform clock synchronization calibration on multiple devices through the NTP clock obtained from the network.

[0035] B. If the ability to communicate with third-party systems is not available, the external debugging plugin unit in the SCADA application management module can be used to implement the communication capability of the web API interface, thereby enabling the clock synchronization calibration function of the edge computing gateway device.

[0036] Through scenarios A and B, the gateway device of this invention is equipped with a webAPI interface to communicate with third-party systems to exchange clock information and is set to periodically report clock data. Periodic clock synchronization calibration is achieved through the SCADA application system software function. This is a novel edge computing gateway device with clock synchronization calibration function in the absence of external time synchronization. The invention also includes a plugin that authorizes the SCADA application system to use the calibration function, thereby ensuring consistent data acquisition timing between different gateway devices and reducing process errors caused by interlocking control of equipment.

[0037] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An edge computing gateway device with clock synchronization calibration function, comprising a SCADA application management module, a data acquisition management module, a computing management module, and a storage management module, characterized in that: The SCADA application management module is electrically connected to the acquisition management module, the acquisition management module is electrically connected to the computing management module, and the computing management module is electrically connected to the storage management module. The SCADA application management module includes a connection unit with a web API interface, a communication unit for easy communication with third-party systems, and an external debugging plugin unit. The connection unit is electrically connected to the communication unit, and the communication unit is electrically connected to the external debugging plugin unit. The connection unit includes multiple web API interfaces and a USB interface. One end of the USB interface can be connected to a third-party system via a USB connection cable, and the web API interface can be directly connected to the API interface of the third-party system. The communication unit includes an NTP time server that obtains an NTP clock through a network and a wireless communication module. The NTP time server is electrically connected to the wireless communication module. The communication unit is used to obtain the NTP clock through the network to perform clock synchronization calibration on the edge computing gateway device. The external debugging plugin unit is used to enable the communication capability of the web API interface when the third-party system does not have communication capability, thereby realizing the clock synchronization calibration function of the edge computing gateway device.

2. The edge computing gateway device with clock synchronization calibration function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wireless communication module is configured with a wireless RF433 chip. The wireless RF433 chip broadcasts clock signals to electronic clocks within the wireless range through an NTP time server to achieve synchronization correction.

3. An edge computing gateway device with clock synchronization calibration function according to claim 2, characterized in that: The additional debugging plugin unit includes either the PostWoman Http interface debugging plugin or the ApiDebug Http interface debugging plugin. The PostWoman Http interface debugging plugin and the ApiDebug Http interface debugging plugin can be used independently, and the data can be stored locally or synchronized to the cloud.

4. An edge computing gateway device with clock synchronization calibration function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The data acquisition and management module is used to acquire data information from multiple sensing devices, including analog signals, digital signals, files, and audio / video files.

5. An edge computing gateway device with clock synchronization calibration function according to claim 4, characterized in that: The computing management module is used to perform edge computing on the data information collected by the acquisition management module and to perform local control calculations based on the local analysis and calculation results in order to control multiple sensing devices.

6. An edge computing gateway device with clock synchronization calibration function according to claim 5, characterized in that: The storage management module includes a CPU and multiple memories. The CPU is electrically connected to the multiple memories. The CPU is used to manage the multiple memories. The memories are used to store and back up the edge computing results and local control computing results of the computing management module.

7. An edge computing gateway device with clock synchronization calibration function according to claim 6, characterized in that: It also includes a capacity monitoring module, which is used to monitor container restarts, CPU utilization, memory usage, or storage resource overruns in multiple storage devices.

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