Information processing method, apparatus, computing device, and computer-readable medium

Abstract

This application relates to information processing methods, apparatuses, computing devices, and computer-readable media. One information processing method includes: generating a workflow in an OT domain based on user-input instructions; the workflow defining an operation to be performed by a work unit in the OT domain; wherein the IDs of each element in the workflow are named using a common namespace rule; mapping the IDs of each element in the workflow to the runtime of the work unit's main controller; and determining the target function to be performed in the workflow and the target entity performing the target function based on the IDs of the elements mapped to the runtime.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of information technology, and in particular to an information processing method, apparatus, computing device, and computer-readable medium. Background Technology

[0002] According to Gartner's definition, Operational Technology (OT) combines hardware and software to detect or trigger changes or events in processes within an enterprise by directly monitoring and / or controlling physical devices (called OT devices). OT utilizes computers to monitor or alter the physical state of systems such as Industrial Control Systems (ICS). ICS are computer-based facilities, systems, and devices used to remotely monitor and / or control critical industrial processes, enabling physical functions. The term "OT" is used to distinguish industrial control systems from traditional Information Technology (IT) systems in terms of both technical implementation and functionality.

[0003] The convergence of IT and OT domains is becoming increasingly important in enterprise digital transformation. One pressing issue is how enterprises can collect OT domain data and control OT domain processes in a way that is easy to understand, rather than through IT domain programming.

[0004] Currently, there are numerous IT low-code development tools and platforms on the market. Some of these tools are designed for IoT use cases and are geared towards experienced IT engineers, while OT engineers and junior IT engineers may find their paradigms difficult to understand. Other tools are more suitable for IT domain low-code development and are not well-suited for the OT domain. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A brief overview of the invention is given below to provide a basic understanding of certain aspects of it. It should be understood that this overview is not an exhaustive summary of the invention. It is not intended to identify key or essential parts of the invention, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the invention. Its purpose is merely to present certain concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows.

[0006] This invention proposes an information processing method for communication between working units in a software platform and an OT domain. In this information processing method, a method is provided to uniquely describe various elements in the workflow (including physical nodes from different vendors, virtual resources, all behaviors and skills, etc.) in a global space, so that each element has a unique namespace for identification, in order to adapt to the integration of IT domain and OT domain.

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an information processing method is provided, comprising: generating a workflow in an OT domain based on user-input instructions, the workflow defining an operation to be performed by a work unit in the OT domain, wherein the IDs of each element in the workflow are named using a common namespace rule; mapping the IDs of each element in the workflow to the runtime of the main controller of the work unit; and determining, based on the IDs of each element mapped to the runtime, a target function to be performed in the workflow and a target entity to perform the target function.

[0008] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an information processing apparatus is provided, comprising: a workflow generation unit configured to generate a workflow in an OT domain based on user-input instructions, the workflow defining an operation to be performed by a work unit in the OT domain, wherein the IDs of each element in the workflow are named using a common namespace rule; a mapping unit configured to map the IDs of each element in the workflow to the runtime of the main controller of the work unit; and a determination unit configured to determine a target function to be performed in the workflow and a target entity to perform the target function based on the IDs of each element mapped to the runtime.

[0009] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computing device is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and a memory coupled to said at least one processor, said memory for storing instructions that, when executed by said at least one processor, cause the processor to perform the method as described above.

[0010] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided that stores computer-readable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method described above.

[0011] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product is provided, which is tangibly stored on a computer-readable medium and includes computer-readable instructions that, when executed, cause at least one processor to perform the method as described above.

[0012] According to the information processing method of the present invention, any element in the workflow of the OT domain can be named using a globally unique namespace. Mapping such namespace-named elements to the runtime allows for accurate and unique control of the corresponding OT devices in the work unit to perform the corresponding operations without any errors. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1This is an application scenario of the information processing method according to the embodiments of this application in the field of industrial automation;

[0014] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary process of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 3 A block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of a computing device for performing an information processing method according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0018] 100: An application scenario in the field of industrial automation 10: Software Platform 20: Work Unit 30: Runtime 200: Information Processing Methods S202, S204, S206, S208: Steps 300: Information processing device 302: Workflow Generation Unit 304: Mapping Unit 306: Determine the unit 308: Control Unit 400: Computing Equipment 402: Processor 404: Memory error Detailed Implementation

[0019] The subject matter described herein will now be discussed with reference to exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are discussed merely to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and implement the subject matter described herein, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or examples set forth in the claims. The function and arrangement of the elements discussed may be changed without departing from the scope of the embodiments of this application. Various processes or components may be omitted, substituted, or added as needed in the various examples. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Furthermore, features described in some examples may be combined in other examples.

[0020] As used herein, the term "comprising" and its variations are open terms meaning "including but not limited to". The term "based on" means "at least partially based on". The terms "one embodiment" and "an embodiment" mean "at least one embodiment". The term "another embodiment" means "at least one other embodiment". The terms "first", "second", etc., may refer to different or the same objects. Other definitions, whether explicit or implicit, may be included below. Unless explicitly indicated by the context, the definition of a term shall remain consistent throughout the specification.

[0021] This invention proposes an information processing method for communication between working units in a software platform and an OT domain. In this information processing method, a method is provided to uniquely describe various elements in the workflow (including physical nodes from different vendors, virtual resources, all behaviors and techniques, etc.) in a global space, so that each element has a unique namespace for identification, in order to adapt to the integration of IT domain and OT domain.

[0022] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] This paper introduces the concept of a "workcell," which can be a combination of systems or devices capable of implementing a relatively complete and independent control flow and operation. In this embodiment, workflow creation based on workcells is more in line with the characteristics of industrial control, improving the integration level of development and reducing its complexity. For example, in the field of industrial technology, workcells can be defined according to actual industrial scenarios. For instance, a workcell can be defined as one process corresponding to one operation, or a workstation within a process can be defined as one workcell, or a workstation within a workstation can be defined as one workcell, etc. Different workcells have different process flows.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, the workflow can be an OT domain workflow; the work unit can be a work unit within the OT domain; and the device can be an OT device. Here, OT devices may include, but are not limited to: Internet of Things (IoT) devices, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), robots, Manual Processes, Industrial Personal Computers (IPCs), etc.

[0025] Figure 1 This illustrates an application scenario of the information processing method according to an embodiment of this application in the field of industrial automation. A user operates on software platform 10 to generate an OT domain workflow, which defines... Figure 1 The right side shows the operations to be performed on a production line as a work unit 20. The generated workflow is deployed to the runtime 30 of the main controller of work unit 20 so that the runtime 30 controls the completion of the production line operations of work unit 20. Users can... Figure 1 The graphical user interface (GUI) allows users to edit OT domain workflows by dragging and dropping various nodes, including function block nodes. This includes retrieving necessary data (such as workpiece processing parameters) from the database and server, and controlling the operation of the entire work unit. Here, a work unit is a production line, which can include machines, conveyor belts, robotic arms, workers, PLCs, AGBs, etc.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process of an information processing method 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] First, in step S202, a workflow in the OT domain is generated based on the user-input instructions. The workflow defines the operation to be performed by a work unit in the OT domain. The IDs of each element in the workflow are named using a common namespace rule.

[0028] In a specific example, user input could involve dragging and dropping editing function blocks on the graphical user interface of the software platform to edit the OT domain workflow as needed.

[0029] Next, in step S204, the IDs of each element in the workflow are mapped to the runtime of the main controller of the work unit.

[0030] In step S206, the target function to be executed in the workflow and the target subject to execute the target function are determined based on the IDs mapped to each element in the runtime.

[0031] In the information processing method of the present invention, a universal namespace is used to uniformly describe all elements in the workflow such as all physical nodes, virtual resources, actions, and skills in a global space, so that each element has global uniqueness in the entire system.

[0032] Traditionally, resources are described using UUIDs (Uniform Resource Identifiers), GUIDs, or other hash IDs. While secure, these IDs lack practical meaning and are unreadable. Using a generic namespace to name elements makes the named IDs readable and easy to understand.

[0033] The elements in the workflow mainly include function blocks and function descriptions of the function blocks. In the general namespace of the present invention, each instance of a function block has an instance ID that conforms to the general namespace rules, and the type of the function block and the type of the function description each have a class ID that conforms to the general namespace rules.

[0034] In other words, each type of functional block or functional block description has a unique class ID. The class ID can be used to represent a certain type of person, a certain type of device, a certain type of resource, etc. For example, if a factory buys three robots of the same model, then these three robots have the same class ID, assuming the robot's class ID is represented as "Robotic.Cobot.UniversalRobots.UR5". This class ID cannot be mapped to a specific robot, therefore each robot has an instance ID. The instance ID can be represented as Namespace.IndexN, that is, by adding an IndexN (which can be 1, 2, or 3) after each class ID, thus turning the class ID into an instance ID.

[0035] A class ID that conforms to the general namespace rules can represent a unique type, and an instance ID can represent a unique individual.

[0036] In a specific example, step S204 specifically includes: mapping the class ID and the instance ID to the runtime respectively; step S206 specifically includes: determining the target function to be executed based on the class ID; finding the instance ID corresponding to the class ID to determine the target subject to execute the target function.

[0037] Specifically, class IDs and instance IDs are mapped to runtime. Based on the class ID, the target behavior to be performed can be determined. For example, if a robot moves goods C from point A to point B, the moving is the target behavior. To determine which robot will perform the moving behavior, the instance ID corresponding to the class ID is found to identify the specific robot that will perform the moving behavior.

[0038] In a specific example, an information scheduler or registry center can be used to implement the mapping between the class ID representing the target behavior and the instance ID representing the instance. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific methods for implementing the mapping, which will not be described in detail here.

[0039] In this way, the IDs of elements in the workflow are mapped to the runtime, enabling one-to-one identification at runtime. This decouples physical nodes from behaviors, and since both physical node and behavior IDs are globally unique, errors are guaranteed.

[0040] In one example, the information processing method 200 may further include step S208: controlling the corresponding OT device in the work unit to perform corresponding operations based on the determined target subject and the target function.

[0041] The elements in a workflow can include any information in the workflow, such as function blocks, physical nodes, general resources, behaviors, and skills.

[0042] Preferably, the ID named using a common namespace rule includes multiple fields separated by symbols, and each field includes an attribute value for the element. The attribute value of the element may include the element's category, subcategory, serial number, manufacturer, sub-serial number, function block name, resource name, etc.

[0043] Specifically, it can be strings separated by ".". Below are examples of IDs for several different elements named according to the general namespace rules of this invention.

[0044] Function Block ID: Function Block.Type.Subtype.Manufacturer.Function Block Name

[0045] Physical Node ID: Resource Description. Type. Manufacturer. Series. Sub-Series. Serial Number

[0046] General Resources: Resource Description.Type.Subtype.Resource Name

[0047] Preferably, adding a "." followed by an index number (usually a single digit) to the class ID of the same class will create the instance ID of that class. To distinguish between class IDs and instance IDs, the last field of the instance ID is typically a number, while the last field of the class ID includes a single letter.

[0048] According to the information processing method of the present invention, any element in the workflow of the OT domain can be named using a globally unique namespace. Mapping such namespace-named elements to the runtime allows for accurate and unique control of the corresponding OT devices in the work unit to perform the corresponding operations without any errors.

[0049] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of an information processing apparatus 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, the information processing device 300 includes: a workflow generation unit 302, a mapping unit 304, and a determination unit 306.

[0051] Workflow generation unit 302 is configured to generate workflows in the OT domain based on user-input instructions. The workflow defines the operations to be performed by a work unit in the OT domain, wherein the IDs of each element in the workflow are named using a common namespace rule.

[0052] The mapping unit 304 is configured to map the IDs of each element in the workflow to the runtime of the main controller of the work unit.

[0053] The determining unit 306 is configured to determine the target function to be executed in the workflow and the target subject to execute the target function based on the IDs of the various elements mapped to the runtime.

[0054] In one example, the information processing device 300 further includes a control unit 308, which controls the corresponding OT device in the working unit to perform corresponding operations based on the determined target subject and the target function.

[0055] Details of the operation and function of each part of the information processing device 300 can be found in the reference. Figure 2 The relevant parts of the embodiments of the information processing method 200 of the present invention described herein are the same or similar, and will not be described in detail here.

[0056] Figure 4 A block diagram of a computing device 400 for performing an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. According to one embodiment, the computing device 400 may include at least one processor 402 that executes at least one computer-readable instruction (i.e., the elements implemented in software above) stored or encoded in a computer-readable storage medium (i.e., memory 404).

[0057] It should be understood that the computer-executable instructions stored in memory 404, when executed, cause at least one processor 402 to perform the above-described combinations in the various embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 1-3 The description includes various operations and functions.

[0058] Furthermore, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions. When executed by a processor, these computer-readable instructions cause the processor to perform the above-described combinations in the various embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 1-3 The various operations and functions described. Examples of computer-readable media include floppy disks, hard disks, magneto-optical disks, optical disks (such as CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD+RW), magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, and ROMs. Optionally, computer-readable instructions can be downloaded from a server computer or the cloud via a communication network.

[0059] According to one embodiment, a computer program is provided, including computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause at least one processor to perform the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1-3 The description includes various operations and functions.

[0060] According to one embodiment, a computer program product is provided, including computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause at least one processor to perform the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1-3 The description includes various operations and functions.

[0061] It should be understood that the various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, and the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments.

[0062] The foregoing description has described specific embodiments of this specification. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions or steps recited in the claims may be performed in a different order than that shown in the embodiments and may still achieve the desired result. Furthermore, the processes depicted in the drawings do not necessarily require the specific or sequential order shown to achieve the desired result. In some embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are possible or may be advantageous.

[0063] Not all steps and units in the above process and system structure diagrams are necessary; some steps or units can be omitted according to actual needs. The device structure described in the above embodiments can be a physical structure or a logical structure. That is, some units may be implemented by the same physical entity, or some units may be implemented by multiple physical entities, or they may be jointly implemented by certain components in multiple independent devices.

[0064] The specific embodiments described above with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary embodiments, but do not represent all embodiments that can be implemented or fall within the scope of the claims. The term "exemplary" as used throughout this specification means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration" and does not imply that it is "preferred" or "advantageous" compared to other embodiments. Specific details are included to provide an understanding of the described techniques. However, these techniques can be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and apparatuses are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described embodiments.

[0065] The foregoing description of this disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to implement or use this disclosure. Various modifications to this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but is consistent with the widest scope of the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0066] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. 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. Information processing methods, including: A workflow in the OT domain is generated based on user-input instructions. The workflow defines the operation to be performed by a work unit in the OT domain. The IDs of each element in the workflow are named using a common namespace rule. Mapping the IDs of each element in the workflow to the runtime of the main controller of the work unit; and Based on the IDs mapped to each element in the runtime, the target function to be executed in the workflow and the target entity to execute the target function are determined. The elements include functional blocks and functional descriptions of the functional blocks. Each instance of a functional block has an instance ID that conforms to the general namespace rules. The type of the functional block and the type of the functional description each have a class ID that conforms to the general namespace rules. The process of mapping the IDs of each element in the workflow to the runtime of the main controller of the work unit includes: Map the class ID and the instance ID to the runtime respectively; Based on the IDs mapped to each element in the runtime, the target function to be executed in the workflow and the target entity to execute the target function are determined, including: The target function to be executed is determined based on the class ID; Find the instance ID corresponding to the class ID to determine the target entity to perform the target function.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: Based on the determined target entity and target function, the corresponding OT devices in the work unit are controlled to perform corresponding operations.

3. The method as described in claim 1, wherein, The elements in the workflow include at least one of the following: Functional blocks, physical nodes, general resources, behaviors, and skills.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The IDs named according to the general namespace rules include multiple fields separated by symbols, and each field includes an attribute value of the element.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The attribute values ​​of the element include at least one of the following: element category, subcategory, serial number, manufacturer, sub-serial number, function block name, and resource name.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein, The last field of the instance ID has a numeric value, and the last field of the class ID has at least one letter as its attribute value.

7. An information processing device (300), comprising: Workflow generation unit (302) is configured to generate a workflow in the OT domain based on user-input instructions. The workflow defines the operation to be performed by a work unit in the OT domain. The IDs of each element in the workflow are named using a common namespace rule. Mapping unit (304) is configured to map the IDs of each element in the workflow to the runtime of the main controller of the workflow unit; and The determining unit (306) is configured to determine, based on the IDs mapped to each element in the runtime, the target function to be executed in the workflow and the target entity to execute the target function. The elements include functional blocks and functional descriptions of the functional blocks. Each instance of a functional block has an instance ID that conforms to the general namespace rules. The type of the functional block and the type of the functional description each have a class ID that conforms to the general namespace rules. The mapping unit (304) is further configured as follows: Map the class ID and the instance ID to the runtime respectively; The determining unit (306) is further configured to: The target function to be executed is determined based on the class ID; Find the instance ID corresponding to the class ID to determine the target entity to perform the target function.

8. A computing device (400), comprising: At least one memory (402) is configured to store computer-readable code; At least one processor (404) is configured to invoke the computer-readable code to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

9. A computer-readable medium, wherein, The computer-readable medium stores computer-readable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

10. A computer program product, wherein, The computer program product is tangibly stored on a computer-readable medium and includes computer-readable instructions that, when executed, cause at least one processor to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

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