Method for regulating transmissions of a plurality of industrial devices

Abstract

A method for regulating transmissions of a plurality of industrial devices in a first section of an industrial facility is described. The method comprises measuring a radio signal strength at a first location in the first section and comparing the measured radio signal strength with a predefined threshold value associated with the first location in the first section. The radio signal strength is associated with one or more signals transmitted by at least one industrial device of a first wireless network in the first section. The comparison of the measured radio strength with the predefined threshold value is performed to transmit a message to the industrial device. Based on the message, the at least one industrial device is configured to adjust at least one transmission parameter of the industrial device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to wireless communication in industrial automation environments, and more specifically, to mobile wireless communication devices in industrial facilities. With the increasing implementation of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and other Industry 4.0 concepts in manufacturing plants, factories, and other industrial facilities, multiple assets within these facilities will be wirelessly connected. Several wireless networks and technologies, such as cellular networks, local area networks (LANs), short-range communication technologies such as Bluetooth, and near-field communication (NFC), can be used to achieve wireless communication. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, with the introduction of 5G private networks, industrial enterprises have the option to deploy private cellular networks within their facilities to supplement their existing wireless communication infrastructure. Such deployments can improve security, coverage, performance, and more. However, the frequencies used in these private networks are regulated by government agencies and must be applied. For example, in Germany, the use of the frequency range of 3700MHz-3800MHz is regulated, and license applications for these frequencies must be submitted by the industrial enterprise. This application must specify the geographical area where the private network will operate and the frequencies that the private network will use.

[0003] When implementing these applications, industrial companies (also known as licensees) must develop a spectrum usage concept and specify measures to ensure effective spectrum use within interference limits. Therefore, industrial companies need to provide descriptions of interference mitigation techniques, such as information about the type and shielding measures used for the antennas.

[0004] While the use of such interference mitigation techniques is well-known for stationary equipment, they are not readily applicable to mobile devices such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs). Mobile stations are also desirable in industrial applications, such as in AGVs. These mobile devices can travel within buildings requiring high transmission power. However, due to this mobile operation, the mobile devices can also travel along the boundaries of proposed licensed areas. When operating in such areas, these mobile devices may cause disruptions in adjacent networks that may belong to other licensees. Therefore, an apparatus and method are needed to address these issues. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the present invention describes a method, a boundary assistance device, a network management device, and a non-transient storage medium for solving the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention describes a method for regulating the transmission of multiple industrial devices in a first segment of an industrial facility. The method includes measuring a radio signal strength at a first location within the first segment and comparing the measured radio signal strength with a predefined threshold associated with the first location in the first segment. The radio signal strength is associated with one or more signals transmitted by at least one industrial device from a first wireless network in the first segment. The comparison of the measured radio strength with the predefined threshold is performed to transmit a message to the industrial device. Based on the message, the at least one industrial device is configured to adjust at least one transmission parameter of the industrial device.

[0007] Therefore, this invention describes a method for regulating the transmission of industrial equipment, including mobile devices such as automated guided vehicles, to reduce interference in adjacent segments and wireless networks. Since the regulation of transmission power is location-based, it is possible to suggest that industrial equipment within the radio proximity range of a neighboring network reduce its transmission power or change its transmission mode so that transmissions from the industrial equipment do not cause significant interference in the neighboring network. Therefore, the implementation of the above method will mitigate considerable interference and achieve efficient utilization of licensed frequencies in a dedicated network. In one example, the industrial facility also includes a second segment containing a second wireless network. In one example, at least one transmission parameter includes one of transmission power and transmission mode.

[0008] In another aspect, the present invention describes a boundary assist device for regulating the transmission of a plurality of industrial devices in a first segment of an industrial facility. The boundary assist device is fixed to a first location in the first segment of the industrial facility. The boundary assist device includes a network interface comprising a first radio interface associated with a first radio technology and a second radio interface associated with a second radio technology; and one or more processors connected to a memory module. The one or more processors are configured to use the first radio interface to measure the radio signal strength at the first location in the first segment, wherein the radio signal strength is associated with one or more signals transmitted by at least one industrial device of a first wireless network associated with the first radio technology in the first segment, to compare the measured radio signal strength with a predefined threshold associated with the first location in the first segment, and to transmit a message using the second radio interface, wherein the message indicates the comparison of the measured radio signal strength with the predefined threshold.

[0009] In one example, a first radio technology is associated with a first set of frequencies, while a second radio technology is associated with a second set of frequencies, wherein the first set of frequencies is different from the second set of frequencies.

[0010] In one example, the first radio interface is configured to receive one or more frames from the at least one industrial device for measuring radio signal strength, each frame from which includes an identifier associated with the at least one industrial device.

[0011] In one example, one or more processors of the border assist device are configured to detect interference from at least one device of a second wireless network. In another aspect, the invention describes a network management device for regulating the transmission of multiple industrial devices in a first segment of an industrial facility, the first segment including one or more border assist devices fixed at one or more locations within the first segment. The network management device includes a network interface, one or more processors, the network interface including a first radio interface associated with a first radio technology and a second radio interface associated with a second radio technology, the one or more processors being connected to a memory module. The one or more processors are configured to use the second radio interface to receive at least one message from the at least one border assist device fixed at the first location, wherein the at least one message indicates a comparison of a radio signal strength measured at the first location with a predefined threshold associated with the first location, wherein the measured radio signal strength is associated with one or more signals transmitted by at least one industrial device associated with the first radio technology in the first segment, and to determine a transmission parameter modification for the at least one industrial device based on the at least one message, and to transmit the message to the at least one industrial device using the first radio interface, the message including the determined transmission parameter modification, wherein the at least one industrial device is configured to adjust at least one transmission parameter of the industrial device based on the message.

[0012] In another aspect, the present invention describes a non-transient storage medium for regulating the transmission of multiple industrial devices in a first segment of an industrial facility. The non-transient storage medium includes a plurality of instructions that, when executed on one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to measure the radio signal strength at a first location in the first segment, wherein the radio signal strength is associated with one or more signals of at least one industrial device from a first wireless network associated with a first radio technology in the first segment; compare the measured radio signal strength with a predefined threshold associated with the first location in the first segment; and transmit a message indicating the comparison of the measured radio signal strength with the predefined threshold to one of a network management device and at least one industrial device. The advantages of the method apply to the devices and non-transient storage media described herein. These aspects are... Figures 1-4 Further details are provided below. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 The image shows an example industrial facility with two sections;

[0015] Figure 2 An example method for regulating the transmission of multiple industrial devices is shown;

[0016] Figure 3 An exemplary boundary auxiliary device for regulating the transmission of multiple industrial devices is shown; and

[0017] Figure 4 An example network management device is shown for regulating the transmission of multiple industrial devices. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Figure 1 Industrial facility 100 is shown. An industrial facility here refers to any environment in which one or more industrial processes (e.g., equipment manufacturing, refining, smelting, assembly) may occur, and includes process plants, refineries, automobile factories, etc. Industrial facility 100 includes multiple industrial devices, including control devices, field devices, mobile devices, operator stations, etc. Control devices include process controllers, programmable logic controllers, supervisory controllers, automated guided vehicles, robots, operator equipment, etc. One or more control devices are connected to multiple field devices (not shown), such as actuators and sensor devices for monitoring and controlling the industrial processes in industrial facility 100. These field devices may include flow meters, value actuators, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, etc. Additionally, industrial facility 100 includes multiple mobile devices, including one or more robots for performing multiple operations (e.g., welding, parts assembly); one or more autonomous guided vehicles for transporting and handling materials in industrial facility 100; one or more assets with RFID tags on conveyor belts, etc. Furthermore, industrial facility 100 may include operator stations for displaying the status of industrial facility 100 to operators and for allowing operators to define KPIs for controlling the industrial processes in the facility. All industrial equipment can be connected to each other via a factory network (achieved through wired and wireless technologies).

[0019] Communication within the aforementioned factory network is conducted via wired and wireless methods or technologies. Therefore, industrial facility 100 comprises multiple segments (shown in the figure as first segment 105 and second segment 110). Each segment may include a wireless subnet based on a specific radio configuration and multiple network devices connected to the wireless subnet. Here, radio configuration refers to one or more transmission and reception parameters used by the radios of the network devices. Radio configuration includes the frequency band used as the carrier frequency, the maximum transmit power to be used, antenna characteristics, etc. In one example, the first segment includes a wireless subnet based on a 5G dedicated network (also referred to as a first wireless network) and utilizes one or more frequencies from the licensed spectrum. The second segment includes a wireless subnet (also referred to as a second wireless network or neighboring network), which may be based on a WLAN or other such radio technology having a similar frequency to the first wireless network.

[0020] Multiple network devices include multiple industrial gateway devices (also called gateway devices) and multiple user devices. Here, a gateway device refers to one or more network devices capable of connecting user devices to a wireless network. Examples of gateway devices include base stations, routers, switches, repeaters, access points, etc. Multiple gateway devices can include fixed gateway devices and mobile gateway devices. Fixed gateway devices can be fixed to multiple locations within the industrial facility, while mobile gateway devices can move around the facility to provide appropriate network connectivity. For example, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the first segment 105 includes a fixed gateway device 115 connected to a first wireless network, and similarly, the second segment 110 includes a fixed gateway device 125 connected to a second wireless network. Multiple user devices in the facility connect to one or more industrial gateway devices to connect to the wireless subnetwork of their respective segments and to communicate with other devices and systems in the industrial facility. Furthermore, the first segment 110 also includes multiple boundary aids (shown in the figures as boundary aids 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170). Each boundary aid can be fixed at a location near the boundary of the first segment. Each boundary aid is configured to measure signal strength at its respective installation location. Based on the signal strength measurement, the boundary aids help regulate the transmission of industrial equipment in the first segment 105 to ensure that transmission does not cause significant interference in the second segment 110. This is in Figure 2 The description will be further explained.

[0021] Those skilled in the art will note that although the industrial equipment described above is referred to as two segments, multiple segments may exist within the industrial equipment. Each segment may be associated with one or more buildings within the industrial facility. Those skilled in the art will understand that a segment here may refer to a logical grouping of buildings or facilities using the same wireless network. Furthermore, it can be noted that the second segment may not be physically contained within a housing together with the first segment, but may still remain within the radio proximity range of the first segment. It can also be noted that the two (or more) segments may reside in two industrial sub-facilities located in the same location, which may be controlled or owned by two different corporate entities or two different control systems.

[0022] Figure 2 A method 200 for regulating the transmission of multiple industrial devices in a first segment 105 of an industrial facility 100 is illustrated. In one example, method 200 is performed by an example boundary assist device 170. The boundary assist device 170 is fixed in a first position along the boundary of the first segment 105. The example is explained with respect to industrial device 180, which is capable of moving around the first segment in the industrial facility. Industrial device 180 is capable of changing its transmission parameters to mitigate interference in adjacent segments (i.e., segment 120) due to its radio operation, particularly along the boundary of the first segment 110.

[0023] In step 210, the boundary assist device 170 measures the radio signal strength at a first location within the first segment 105. The radio signal strength is associated with one or more signals transmitted by the industrial device 180. In one example, the boundary assist device 170 receives one or more frames from the industrial device 180. Each frame includes an identifier associated with the industrial device 180. Therefore, based on the received frames, the boundary assist device 170 is able to identify the source of the received frames, namely the industrial device 180. Then, based on the received frames, the boundary assist device is able to determine the radio signal strength associated with the industrial device 180 at the first location.

[0024] Then, in step 220, the boundary assist device 170 compares the measured radio signal strength with a predefined threshold associated with a first location in the first segment. In one example, the comparison is performed in conjunction with a network management device. For example, the boundary assist device 170 transmits the measured radio signal strength to the network management device, which compares the measurement with the predefined threshold. In one example, the predefined threshold is set in the boundary assist device 170 during installation or commissioning. The signal strength is measured before the boundary assist device 170 is installed and used to determine the predefined threshold. The comparison is performed to assess whether the measured radio signal strength is below or above the predefined threshold.

[0025] In one example, when the measured radio signal strength is below a predefined threshold, the boundary assist device 170 determines that the transmission of industrial device 180 is unlikely to cause significant interference outside the first segment 105. In another example, when the measured radio strength is above a predefined threshold, the boundary assist device 170 may transmit a message to the industrial device indicating a comparison with industrial device 180. Therefore, upon receiving such a message, industrial device 180 is configured to adjust at least one transmission parameter of the industrial device based on the message to reduce the signal strength at the first location. Here, transmission parameters refer to any radio parameters that affect the transmission profile of the industrial device. Examples of transmission parameters include transmission power, transmission mode, transmission carrier frequency, etc. Continuing with the example above, when the message indicates that the radio signal strength caused by industrial device 180 is above a predefined threshold, industrial device 180 adjusts its transmission power. Industrial device 180 reduces its transmission power based on a predefined value. In another example, industrial device 180 switches from omnidirectional transmission mode to directional transmission mode based on the message.

[0026] In another example, when the measured radio strength exceeds a predefined threshold, the boundary assist device 170 may transmit a comparison-indicating message to a network management device (not shown). The network management device is responsible for managing communication in a first wireless network within a first network. Therefore, upon receiving such a message, the network management device is configured to determine, based on the message, an adjustment to at least one transmission parameter of the industrial device 180 to reduce the signal strength at a first location. After determining the adjustment, the network management device transmits an instruction to the industrial device 180 to implement the adjustment of the at least one transmission parameter. Continuing with the example above, when a message from the boundary assist device 170 indicates that the radio signal strength caused by the industrial device 180 exceeds a predefined threshold, the network management device determines an adjustment to the transmission power of the industrial device 180 and instructs the industrial device to change its transmission power based on the determined adjustment by sending an instruction. The industrial device 180 reduces its transmission power based on the instruction from the network management device.

[0027] In one example, the border assist device 170 is equipped with two or more radio interfaces. Therefore, the border assist device 170 can use a first radio interface to measure the radio signal strength at a first location and use a second radio interface to transmit a message indicating a comparison between the measured signal strength and a predefined threshold associated with the first location. By using two separate interfaces, the border assist device 170 does not cause interference in the first wireless network due to its operation. Furthermore, the border assist device 170 is unaffected by interference in the first wireless network. Figure 3 These aspects are further described in the description.

[0028] Figure 3An example boundary assist device 300 for regulating the transmission of multiple industrial devices is shown. As described above, the boundary assist device 300 is configured to regulate the transmission of industrial devices in the first section 105. As previously stated, the boundary assist device 300 is fixed to a first position in the first section of the industrial facility.

[0029] The border assist device includes a network interface 340. The network interface 340 includes a first radio interface 345 associated with a first radio technology and a second radio interface 350 associated with a second radio technology. The first radio technology is the same radio technology used by industrial equipment (of the first wireless network). For example, the first radio technology is based on a 5G private network using frequencies between 3000-4000 MHz. The second radio technology differs from the first radio technology and is used by the border assist device 300 to transmit and receive messages. For example, the radio technology is based on a wireless LAN and uses a 2.4 GHz frequency. Additionally, the border assist device 300 includes one or more processors 310 connected to a memory module 315 (also referred to as non-transient storage medium).

[0030] The memory module 315 includes a plurality of instructions that, when executed by one or more processors 310, cause the one or more processors 310 to measure the radio signal strength at a first location in the first segment 105 using the first radio interface 345, compare the measured radio signal strength with a predefined threshold associated with the first location in the first segment 105, and transmit a message using the second radio interface 350, as explained above in method 200. The message indicates a comparison of the measured radio signal strength with the predefined threshold. As previously described, in one example, the message is transmitted to a network management device. This will refer to Figure 4 Further explanation.

[0031] Figure 4 An example network management device 400 for regulating the transmission of multiple industrial devices in the first segment 105 is shown. The network management device 400 is configured to regulate the transmission of multiple industrial devices in the first segment 105 of the industrial facility 100. (Example...) Figure 1 As shown, the first segment 105 includes one or more boundary auxiliary devices (120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) fixed at one or more locations within the first segment 105. The one or more boundary auxiliary devices are capable of transmitting messages to the network management device 400 for adjusting the transmission of industrial equipment.

[0032] Network management device 400 includes a network interface 440, which includes a first radio interface 445 associated with a first radio technology and a second radio interface 450 associated with a second radio technology. Network management device 400 is capable of communicating with industrial equipment in the first segment 105 via the first radio interface 445. Similarly, network management device 400 is capable of communicating with border auxiliary devices in the first segment 105 via the second radio interface 450. Additionally, network management device 400 includes one or more processors 410 connected to a memory module 415. Memory module 415 includes a plurality of instructions that, when executed by one or more processors 410, cause one or more processors 410 to receive at least one message from at least one border auxiliary device fixed at a first location using the second radio interface 450. The at least one message indicates a comparison of a radio signal strength measured at the first location with a predefined threshold associated with the first location, wherein the measured radio signal strength is associated with one or more signals transmitted in the first segment by at least one industrial device associated with the first radio technology. The one or more processors 410 then determine a modification to the transmission parameters of the at least one industrial device based on the at least one message. In one example, at least one message includes an identifier associated with at least one industrial device. Then, one or more processors 410 transmit the message to the at least one industrial device using a first radio interface 445. The message includes determined transmission parameter modifications, wherein the at least one industrial device is configured to adjust at least one transmission parameter of the industrial device based on the message.

[0033] In one example, each border assist device is capable of detecting interference caused by neighboring networks in the first segment 105. For instance, if the operation of a second wireless network in the second segment 110 causes interference in the first segment 105, the border assist device adjacent to segment 110 can detect the interference. Therefore, the border assist device can notify the network management device of the interference originating from the neighboring network.

[0034] In one example, the border assist device is coupled to the gateway device; therefore, the functions of both the border assist device and the gateway device can be performed by a single device. In another example, the border assist device can be mounted on an automated guided vehicle and can be portable or mobile. Therefore, such a border assist device can be used at a location selected by the network management device.

[0035] This invention can take the form of a computer program product, which includes a computer-usable or computer-readable medium storing program code that is used by or in conjunction with one or more computers, processing units, or instruction execution systems. For example, method 200 can be implemented in a single device or across one or more devices.

[0036] Therefore, the present invention describes a non-transient storage medium for regulating the transmission of multiple industrial devices in a first segment of an industrial facility. The non-transient storage medium includes a plurality of instructions, which, when executed on one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to measure the radio signal strength at a first location in the first segment, compare the measured radio signal strength with a predefined threshold associated with the first location in the first segment, and transmit a message indicating the comparison of the measured radio signal strength with the predefined threshold to a network management device and at least one of the industrial devices. The radio signal strength is associated with one or more signals transmitted by at least one industrial device of a first wireless network in the first segment, the first wireless network being associated with a first radio technology.

[0037] For the purposes of this description, a computer-usable or computer-readable non-transient storage medium can be any means capable of containing, storing, transmitting, propagating, or transmitting a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The medium can be electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or a semiconductor system (or apparatus or device) or its own propagation medium, since signal carriers are not included in the definition of a physical computer-readable medium, which includes semiconductor or solid-state memory, magnetic tape, removable computer disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), rigid disks and optical disks, such as optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical disc read / write, and DVDs. The processing units and program code used to implement each aspect of this technology can be centralized or distributed (or a combination thereof) as known to those skilled in the art.

[0038] Although the invention has been described with reference to a few industrial devices, many industrial devices may be utilized in the context of the invention. While the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to those embodiments. In view of the invention, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the invention as described herein. Therefore, the scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes, modifications, and variations within the equivalent meaning and scope of the claims are considered to be within its scope. All advantageous embodiments claimed in the method claims can also be applied to the device / non-transient storage medium claims.

Claims

1. A method (200) for regulating the transmission of multiple industrial devices in a first section (105) of an industrial facility (100), wherein, The first segment includes one or more boundary assist devices, and the method (200) includes: a. The boundary assist device measures (210) the radio signal strength at a first location in the first segment (105), wherein the radio signal strength is associated with one or more signals transmitted by at least one industrial device (180) of a first wireless network associated with a first radio technology in the first segment (105); b. The measured radio signal strength is compared by the boundary assist device with a predefined threshold associated with the first position in the first segment (105) (220). c. The boundary assist device transmits at least one first message to the network management device via a second radio interface, wherein the at least one first message indicates a comparison of the radio signal strength measured at the first location with the predefined threshold associated with the first location; The network management device is configured to determine a transmission parameter modification of the at least one industrial device (180) based on the at least one first message, and to transmit a second message to the at least one industrial device (180) using a first radio interface (445), the second message including the determined transmission parameter modification, wherein the at least one industrial device (180) is configured to adjust at least one transmission parameter of the industrial device (180) based on the second message.

2. The method (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The industrial facility (100) also includes a second segment (110) containing a second wireless network.

3. The method (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one transmission parameter includes one of transmission power and transmission mode.

4. A network management device (400) for regulating the transmission of a plurality of industrial devices in a first section (105) of an industrial facility (100), the first section (105) including one or more boundary auxiliary devices (120, 130, 140, 150, 160 and 170) fixed at one or more locations in the first section (105), the network management device (400) comprising: a. A network interface (440) including a first radio interface (445) associated with a first radio technology and a second radio interface (450) associated with a second radio technology. b. One or more processors (410) connected to the memory module (415), said one or more processors (410) being configured to: i. Receiving at least one first message from at least one boundary assist device (170) fixed at the first location using the second radio interface (450), wherein the at least one first message indicates a comparison of a measured radio signal strength at the first location with a predefined threshold associated with the first location, wherein the measured radio signal strength is associated with one or more signals transmitted in the first segment (105) by at least one industrial device (180) associated with the first radio technology; and ii. Determine the modification of transmission parameters for the at least one industrial device (180) based on the at least one first message; and iii. Using the first radio interface (445), a second message is transmitted to the at least one industrial device (180), the second message including a determined transmission parameter modification, wherein the at least one industrial device (180) is configured to adjust at least one transmission parameter of the industrial device (180) based on the second message.

5. The network management device according to claim 4, wherein, Each of the one or more boundary assistance devices includes: a. A network interface (340), including a first radio interface (345) associated with a first radio technology and a second radio interface (350) associated with a second radio technology; and b. One or more processors (310) connected to the memory module (315), said one or more processors (310) being configured to: i. Measure the radio signal strength at the first location in the first segment (105) using the first radio interface (345) of the boundary assist device, wherein the radio signal strength is associated with one or more signals transmitted by at least one industrial device (180) of a first wireless network in the first segment (105) associated with the first radio technology; ii. Compare the measured radio signal strength with a predefined threshold associated with the first location in the first segment (105); and iii. A second message is transmitted using the second radio interface (350) of the boundary assist device, wherein the second message indicates a comparison of the measured radio signal strength with the predefined threshold.

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