Method for updating an edge device, system for carrying out the method and computer-readable data storage

Abstract

The invention discloses a method for updating an edge device, wherein: the edge device is connected to at least one process automation field device; the edge device is connected to a cloud-based application; the edge device comprises a plurality of individual software components; the edge device is designed to load a feature detector which is designed to detect features of the edge device to at least detect which field device is connected to the edge device; the software components are assigned to a feature or a group of features, the method comprising the following steps: sending a message from the edge device to the cloud-based application asking whether an update is generally available; sending a response from the cloud-based application to the edge device of a list of general updates of the cloud-based application containing firmware; requesting the cloud-based application to download a new feature detector; receiving the feature detector in response to the request; executing the feature detector to collect features, in particular edge device capabilities, field logs, gateway, device type, etc.; requesting by the edge device from the cloud-based application to send only those software components which are required for the features of the edge device, in particular including slave software components; sending the requested software components from the cloud-based application as a response to the edge device; and installing and executing the received software components on the edge device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for updating an edge device, a system for implementing the method, and a computer-readable data storage device. Background Technology

[0002] Edge devices are used in industrial plants employing process automation technologies to connect field devices to cloud-based applications. Data is transmitted to the cloud-based application via the plant's internet connection. The information required by the cloud-based application is periodically read from the field device by the edge device and stored within the application. "Cloud-based" applications are often also referred to as "cloud-hosted" applications. This is frequently abbreviated as "the cloud."

[0003] "Cloud" or "cloud computing" describes a model that typically provides shared computing resources as a service on demand, often via the internet, in a device-independent and real-time manner, and with minimal effort (e.g., in the form of servers, data storage, or applications). The provision and use of these computing resources are defined and typically done via application programming interfaces (APIs), or, for the end user, via websites or applications.

[0004] Edge devices are also used to move computing applications, data, and services off-site from local factory computers. The term "edge" refers to the fact that, using edge devices, related operations are performed at the "edge" of the network—that is, at the network perimeter between field devices and cloud-based applications. These operations can include collecting, aggregating, processing, and analyzing data. Computation is performed distributed at the location where the data actually originates or is collected.

[0005] For example, Endress+Hauser Group sells edge devices called “FieldEdge SGC500”.

[0006] Although the edge device is deployed, installed, and configured once in the factory, its functionality should be able to be added throughout its service life to continuously deliver extended cloud services. Additional information from the field device may be required when introducing new cloud capabilities that benefit customers. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to ensure that edge devices can be easily updated throughout their entire lifespan.

[0008] Regarding the method, this objective is achieved by the method according to claim 1. Specifically, this is achieved by a method for updating an edge device, wherein: the edge device is connected to at least one process automation field device; the edge device is connected to a cloud-based application; the edge device includes multiple individual software components; the edge device is designed to load a feature detector designed to detect features of the edge device to at least detect which field device is connected to the edge device; software components are assigned to a feature or a set of features, the method comprising the steps of: sending a message from the edge device to the cloud-based application inquiring whether an update is generally available; sending a response from the cloud-based application to the edge device a list of general updates for the firmware of the cloud-based application; requesting the cloud-based application to download a new feature detector; receiving the feature detector in response to the request; executing the feature detector to collect features, particularly edge device capabilities, field logs, gateways, device types, etc.; requesting the cloud-based application from the edge device to send only those software components required for the features of the edge device, particularly including dependent software components; sending the requested software components from the cloud-based application in response to the edge device; and installing and executing the received software components on the edge device.

[0009] Therefore, the basic concept is to use a software platform on edge devices and optionally allow software components to be loaded, installed, and executed without shutting down, even during runtime.

[0010] One embodiment provides that the update includes: updating or upgrading software components that have been installed on the edge device, installing new software components, especially software components with new features, and / or removing software components installed on the edge device.

[0011] One embodiment provides a method performed during the runtime of an edge device.

[0012] One embodiment provides that the feature detector detects: a network, bus system, and / or gateway connected to the edge device; and / or the resources, capabilities, configurations, and / or settings of the edge device, particularly data preprocessing, data association and data aggregation, field device type and / or field device configuration, especially sensors with special functions enabled that allow certain data to be read.

[0013] One embodiment provides that the software components include: configuration settings, scheduling for data acquisition from connected field devices or during idle periods, or device-specific data acquisition.

[0014] Regarding the system, this objective is achieved by claim 8. Specifically, the system for implementing the method as described above comprises: an edge device; at least one field device; and a cloud-based application.

[0015] This objective is further achieved by a computer-readable data storage device that stores program instructions, which, when executed, cause the system described above to perform the method described above. Attached Figure Description

[0016] This will be explained in more detail with reference to the following attached diagram.

[0017] Figure 1 The system for which protection is required is shown.

[0018] Figure 2 The edge device storage library is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Edge device 104 is connected to one or more field devices 90. Field devices 90 are, for example, sensors used to measure objects in process automation technology. Field devices 90 have their own very specific configuration 95. Field devices 90 are connected to edge device 104 via fieldbuses such as ProFIBUS, ProFINET, FoundationFieldbus, HART, etc.

[0020] Edge device 104 has firmware consisting of various software components 106. For simplicity, these are numbered. Two field devices are shown. Software components 106 can be function-specific, protocol-specific, device-type-specific, or even device-specific; see also [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 Examples are provided. Which software components 106 are installed and executed on edge device 104 depends on the connected field device 90 and its configuration 95, or on the data preprocessing of the cloud-based application. Software components 106 are organized on firmware platform 107.

[0021] Edge device 104 is connected (reference numeral 103) to a cloud-based application, hereinafter referred to as "cloud 100".

[0022] To ensure that software component 106 is always up-to-date and that edge device 104 supports new features and possibilities provided by cloud 100, the claimed method is proposed.

[0023] Edge device 104 periodically sends messages to cloud 100, specifically to edge device update manager 102, to generally request (non-edge device specific) (all) available updates that can be downloaded and updated (i.e., changes since the last request). User 50 can access cloud 100 via a terminal or computer. Cloud 100 includes memory 101 with edge device configuration storage 121, edge device storage 123, and edge device register 120 with content 122.

[0024] If an update is available, edge device 104 requests an update to software component 106 for its own configuration and equipment, and executes the new component on its platform 107. This occurs during runtime. In response to the update request, these are sent from cloud 100 to edge device 104 in packets (reference numeral 111) (reference numeral 110).

[0025] Firmware component 106 is a feature detector, i.e., a component that is executed to examine the capabilities and settings of the edge device, the connected field network, and the field gateway, and, most importantly, to identify the type of the connected field device. For example, the feature detector detects the network, bus system, and / or gateway connected to the edge device; the edge device's resources, capabilities, configuration, and / or settings; particularly, for example, data preprocessing, data association, and data aggregation of sensors with special functions that enable certain data to be read; and / or the field device type and field device configuration.

[0026] Additional firmware components are configuration settings. This can, for example, enable connectivity to Ethernet / IP, store the IP address of the field gateway, or activate a cloud service subscription.

[0027] Additional firmware components include data acquisition scheduling and, based on protocol-defined requirements, initiate periodic queries for, for example, factory diagnostic data from all connected HART devices (from different manufacturers).

[0028] Additional firmware components implement manufacturer- or device-type-specific data requests, such as diagnostic data or data for predictive maintenance. These can be implemented periodically, on a scheduled basis, or upon request.

[0029] The following methods can be implemented, see [link / reference] Figure 2 Combination Figure 1 : The new functionality is being introduced into the cloud and offered as an optional subscription. This functionality may require functional edge device extensions, such as new edge computing preprocessing results, new field network connectivity (e.g., support for additional gateways or new industrial Ethernet protocols), or additional data acquisition for field devices.

[0030] Then, the new FeatureID is added to the cloud-hosted edge device configuration storage 121. For this new FeatureID, a feature detector software component (in...) is implemented. Figure 2 (on the right side), and also implements software components executed in edge device 104. Both software components will be added to "edge firmware store 123". The edge firmware store 123 includes all software components 106.

[0031] Finally, the version number of the edge storage is added and published; then the edge device provides the version number in response to the update request.

[0032] Edge device 104 detects new information and downloads the edge device configuration store and new feature detector software components. If the new feature detector is available in the edge device, it will be executed. If a feature is found to be available, the edge feature list is updated using the corresponding feature ID according to the edge device configuration store.

[0033] Edge devices periodically check the now-updated list of edge features and detect differences between the versions of installed software components and those included in that list.

[0034] Request to download the software component that can be updated, which includes a list of dependent software components.

[0035] Finally, in response to the download request, the software component is stored, installed, and launched on the edge device.

[0036] The new software components are executed according to the specifications and release additional data for all features—including new features for new cloud capabilities based on real-world field data.

[0037] List of reference numerals

[0038] 50 users

[0039] 90 Field Equipment

[0040] 95. On-site equipment configuration

[0041] 100 Clouds

[0042] 101 Memory

[0043] 102 Edge Device Update Manager

[0044] 103 connects to 104 and 100

[0045] 104 Edge Devices

[0046] 105 Edge Device Firmware

[0047] 106 Software Components

[0048] 107 Edge Device Firmware Platform

[0049] Grouping of 110 and 106

[0050] 111 Send from 106 to 104

[0051] 112 Feature Detector

[0052] 120 Field Device Register

[0053] 121 Edge Device Configuration Storage Library

[0054] 122 Field Device Register Entries

[0055] 123 Edge Device Storage Library

Claims

1. A method for updating edge devices, in: The edge device is connected to at least one process automation field device; The edge device is connected to a cloud-based application; The edge device includes multiple individual software components; The edge device is designed to load a feature detector, which is designed to detect features of the edge device to at least detect which field device is connected to the edge device; Software components are assigned to a feature or a set of features. The method includes the following steps: - Send a message from the edge device to the cloud-based application to inquire whether the update is generally available; - A response from the cloud-based application to the edge device, containing a list of general firmware updates for the cloud-based application; - Request the cloud-based application to download the new feature detector; - Receive the feature detector in response to the request; - Execute the feature detector to collect the features, particularly edge device capabilities, field logs, gateways, device types, etc.; - The edge device requests the cloud-based application to send only those software components required to feature the edge device, particularly including dependent software components; - Sending the requested software components from the cloud-based application as a response to the edge device; and - Install and execute the received software components on the edge device.

2. The method according to claim 1, in, Updates include: updating or upgrading software components already installed on the edge device, installing new software components, especially software components with new features, and / or removing software components installed on the edge device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, in, The method is performed during the runtime of the edge device.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The feature detector detects: - Networks, bus systems, and / or gateways connected to the edge device, and / or - The resources, capabilities, configurations and / or settings of the edge devices, particularly data preprocessing, data association and data aggregation, and / or field device types and / or field device configurations.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The software components include: configuration settings, scheduling for data acquisition from connected field devices or during idle periods, or device-specific data acquisition.

6. A system for carrying out the method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: - Edge devices; - At least one field device; as well as - Cloud-based applications.

7. A computer-readable data storage device for storing program instructions, which, when executed, cause the system according to the preceding claim to perform the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

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