Method and device for computer-aided user assistance when creating a topology of a communication network for an industrial installation

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for computer-aided user assistance when creating a topology of a communication network (KN) for an industrial installation, wherein by means of a user interface (UI) comprising a display (DI): a) predefined network sections (NA1, NA2, NA3) are graphically reproduced on the display (DI) in response to first user inputs at the user interface (UI), wherein the first user inputs select, for each network section (NA1, NA2, NA3) to be reproduced, a network type (NT1, NT2, NT3) from a plurality of network types (NT1, NT2, NT3) and a network function (NF1, NF2, NF3) from a plurality of network functions (NF1, NF2, NF3), wherein a respective reproduced network section (NA1, NA2, NA3) corresponds to the selected network type (NT1, NT2, NT3) and has the selected network function (NF1, NF2, NF3), and contains devices (1, 2, …, 5) from predetermined device types and internal communication connections (6, 7, 8, 9) between the devices (1, 2,..., 5), wherein the devices (1, 2,..., 5) and the internal communication connections (6, 7, 8, 9) are graphically reproduced on the display (DI); b) external communication connections (601, 701) between at least some of the reproduced network sections (NA1, NA2, NA3) are graphically reproduced on the display (DI) in response to second user inputs at the user interface (UI), wherein the second user inputs define links between reproduced devices (1, 2,..., 5) of different network sections (NA1, NA2, NA3).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Method and device for computer-aided user assistance in the creation of a

[0003] Topology of a communication network for an industrial plant

[0004] The invention relates to a method and a device for computer-aided user assistance in creating a topology of a communication network for an industrial plant.

[0005] When designing an industrial plant, it is essential to specify the individual devices within the plant and the communication between them. In particular, it is important to define the protocols used in the plant, such as redundancy protocols and time synchronization protocols, to ensure reliable and synchronous plant operation.

[0006] To date, there are no standardized rules or procedures for the design and configuration of an industrial communication network. This often leads to network topologies designed by experts becoming very confusing and unnecessarily complicated, which complicates the maintainability of implemented communication networks. In the worst case, the communication network is planned in such a way that it does not meet the required requirements or only partially meets them.

[0007] Nowadays, communication networks for industrial plants are designed using software tools that enable a visual representation of the communication network. Components or devices of the communication network must be added individually by the user using the software tool. As a rule, cross-network parameters and functions cannot be stored as key figures. Furthermore, corresponding parameters of the individual devices, such as IP addresses, connections between physical switch ports, segmentation of individual network areas via VLANs, and the like, can only be entered textually using the software tool. For reasons of clarity, it is usually not possible to store all the necessary details of the communication network in the visual representation of the communication network using the software tool. This information usually has to be saved in separate documents or lists.EP 2 615 776 A1 discloses an interactive software-based network design tool that can be used to simulate and visualize the operation of a wireless mesh device network in a process plant. Using the network design tool, a model of a wireless network can be created, multiple design requirements can be entered, and communication routes and schedules for the wireless network can be automatically generated and displayed. In particular, the network design tool provides an interactive graphical user interface for adding, removing, and positioning nodes and devices within the wireless network, as well as a menu with several interactive screens for setting thresholds, network topology selections, routing preferences, and other configuration parameters related to generating and optimizing communication routes and schedules within the wireless mesh network.

[0008] The object of the invention is to improve the assistance of a user in creating a topology of a communication network for an industrial plant by means of a computer-aided method.

[0009] This object is achieved by the method according to claim 1. Further developments of the inventions are defined in the dependent claims.

[0010] The method according to the invention serves for computer-aided user assistance in creating a topology of a communications network for an industrial plant. This communications network is preferably based on Industrial Ethernet. The industrial plant can be any technical plant, which may also include several separate sub-plants. For example, the plant could be a substation or an automobile production facility.

[0011] Within the scope of the method according to the invention, steps a) and b) explained below are carried out. These two steps each comprise a plurality of sub-steps which are carried out in response to corresponding first or second user inputs. Steps a) and b) do not establish a chronological order for the execution of the sub-steps. In particular, sub-steps of steps a) and b) can be nested within one another. It is not necessary for all sub-steps of step a) to be carried out first and only then all sub-steps of step b). Steps a) and b) are carried out by a user interface comprising a display. The user interface includes a corresponding computer which effects the execution of the steps.According to step a), predefined network sections are graphically displayed on the display in response to first user inputs at the user interface, wherein the first user inputs select a network type from a plurality of network types and a network function from a plurality of network functions for each network section to be displayed. Here and in the following, a network type is understood to mean a network category. These first user inputs and also the second user inputs described below can be configured as desired. For example, they can be entered via a corresponding operating device of the user interface, such as a computer mouse. A respective network section that is graphically displayed in response to a corresponding first user input corresponds to the selected network type and has the selected network function.Furthermore, each displayed network section contains devices from predetermined device types and internal communication connections between the devices, with the devices and the internal communication connections being graphically represented on the display. Here and in the following, a device type refers to a device category.

[0012] In step b), external communication links between at least some of the displayed network sections are graphically displayed on the display in response to second user inputs at the user interface, wherein the second user inputs define links between displayed devices of different network sections (ie between communication points of these devices).

[0013] The method according to the invention enables the graphical representation of predefined network sections in the form of corresponding templates based on a user selection at the user interface. The user can specify the external communication connections between these network sections. In this way, the design of a network topology is greatly simplified by using predefined templates.

[0014] In a preferred variant, the network topology created and graphically displayed using steps a) and b) above is stored in a digital memory, i.e. digital data corresponding to the network topology is generated. This digital data can be retrieved at a later time in order to display the network topology again on the display for further processing. According to the invention, the network types from which a user can choose comprise at least one central network, which is often also referred to as a backbone, a decentralized network which is intended for (direct or indirect) connection to a central network and is often also referred to as a bay network or cell network, and an aggregation network which is intended for interconnection between a central network and several decentralized networks.

[0015] The plurality of network functions that a user can select can represent any desired functions. In a particularly preferred variant, the network functions comprise network protocols, wherein a network protocol that a respective displayed network section has as a network function is used in this network section. The network protocols preferably include one or more redundancy protocols and / or one or more time synchronization protocols.

[0016] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the network protocols comprise at least one of the following protocols:

[0017] - Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP), defined in the IEC 62439-3 standard,

[0018] - High-Availability Seamless Redundancy (HSR), which is defined in the IEC 62439-3 standard,

[0019] - Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP), which is defined in the IEEE 802.1w standard,

[0020] - Network Time Protocol (NTP), which is defined in various RFCs (RFC = Request For Comments), such as RFC5905,

[0021] - Precision Time Protocol (PTP), which is defined in the IEC 61588 standard,

[0022] - Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP).

[0023] All of the above-mentioned protocols are well known to those skilled in the art. PRP, HSR, and RSTP are redundancy protocols, whereas NTP and PTP are time synchronization protocols. The above protocols are merely examples, and additional or different network protocols may be provided for user selection.

[0024] In a further preferred variant, the predetermined device types contained in the displayed network sections comprise one or more network device types (i.e., network device categories) and preferably one or more types / categories of switches and / or routers. In a further preferred embodiment, the predetermined device types contained in displayed network sections comprise one or more terminal device types (i.e., terminal device categories) and preferably one or more of the following types / categories:

[0025] - Protection Intelligent Electronic Device (IED), this type being defined in the IEC 61850 standard,

[0026] - Merging Unit (MU), this type is also defined in the IEC 61850 standard.

[0027] In a further, particularly preferred embodiment, the user interface allows the user to modify the displayed network sections. Preferably, the user can delete, add, and / or modify devices and / or internal communication connections in the displayed network sections via the user interface.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment, external communication connections are only permanently displayed graphically on the display in response to a second user input if the connection between the displayed devices is permissible according to the second user input. Thus, suitable admissibility criteria are defined in the user interface. An external communication connection may not be displayed at all if the admissibility criterion is not met. It is also possible for a corresponding communication connection to be initially displayed but subsequently deleted if the admissibility criterion is not met.

[0029] In addition to the method described above, the invention relates to a device for computer-aided user assistance in creating a topology of a communication network for an industrial plant, wherein the device comprises a user interface with a display and the user interface is configured to carry out the method according to the invention or one or more preferred variants of the method according to the invention.

[0030] Embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached figures.

[0031] 1 to 5 show visual displays on the display of a user interface to illustrate the steps of an embodiment of the method according to the invention. An embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the creation of the topology of a communication network for an industrial plant in the form of a digital substation. The corresponding communication network of the substation is based on the above-mentioned standard IEC 61850 and uses Industrial Ethernet. The following Figures 1 to 5 show visual displays on a corresponding display DI of a user interface Ul, wherein a user creates a corresponding topology of the communication network by operating the user interface Ul. The communication network with the corresponding topology is the end result of the method. This communication network is designated by reference symbol KN in Fig. 5.

[0032] In all of the figures described below, the user can perform corresponding user inputs by interacting with elements on the visual display of the display DI using an input device of the user interface UI. For example, the input device can be a computer mouse, with which the user can move a cursor on the display DI and select, add, delete, or move elements. The user interface UI is assigned to a computer that generates the visual display on the display and processes the user inputs.

[0033] Figures 1 to 5 contain the designations F0 to F16, which represent placeholders for texts displayed in the actual visual display on the DI. In other words, in the actual visual display, corresponding texts appear in place of the individual placeholders F0 to F16 on the display. The following mapping exists between the placeholders and the corresponding text in the actual visual display.

[0034] - The placeholder F1 corresponds to the text "Sidebar".

[0035] - The placeholder F2 corresponds to the text "Templates".

[0036] - The placeholder F3 corresponds to the text "Backbone".

[0037] - The placeholder F4 corresponds to the text "PRP".

[0038] - The placeholder F5 corresponds to the text "HSR".

[0039] - The placeholder F6 corresponds to the text "RSTP".

[0040] - The placeholder F7 corresponds to the text "Aggregation".

[0041] - The placeholder F8 corresponds to the text "Bay".

[0042] - The placeholder F9 corresponds to the text "PRP Backbone." - The placeholder F10 corresponds to the text "HMI" (= human-machine interface).

[0043] - The placeholder F11 corresponds to the text "Station PRP LAN A".

[0044] - The placeholder F12 corresponds to the text "Station PRP LAN B".

[0045] - The placeholder F13 corresponds to the text "Bay 1 (PRP)".

[0046] - The placeholder F14 corresponds to the text "Bay 2 (HSR)".

[0047] - The placeholder F15 corresponds to the text "IED" (= Intelligent Electronic Device).

[0048] - The placeholder F16 corresponds to the text "MU" (Merging Unit).

[0049] The placeholders F0 shown in Figures 1 to 5 are also assigned corresponding texts. The elements of the visual display that the placeholders F0 comprise are not relevant to the following description of the embodiment of the invention. Therefore, the assignment of these placeholders to corresponding texts will not be specified below.

[0050] Furthermore, it should be noted that the reference symbols included in addition to the placeholders F0 to F16 in Figures 1 to 5 are not actually part of the visual display on the DI display. These reference symbols are used merely to simplify the following description.

[0051] In all visual displays shown in Figures 1 to 5, the user is always presented with a sidebar (SB) on the left edge of the display (DI). The sidebar (SB) offers the user templates in the form of predefined network sections. The user selects a corresponding template by specifying a network type and a network function, as explained in more detail below.

[0052] The sidebar SB contains a plurality of horizontal bars with the corresponding texts F0 to F8. The user can select bars in the sidebar SB using appropriate user input. The bars NT1, NT2, and NT3 represent network types in the sense of network categories or network characteristics. The network type NT1 is a so-called backbone network, which is an embodiment of a centralized network within the meaning of the claims. The network type NT2 is an aggregation network intended for interconnection between a backbone network and several decentralized networks. The network type NT3 is a bay network, which is an embodiment of a decentralized network within the meaning of the claims.

[0053] In addition to the network types NT1 to NT3, the SB sidebar also contains bars that

[0054] Represent network functions NF1, NF2, and NF3. The network functions correlate with corresponding network protocols. The network function NF1 is assigned to the aforementioned redundancy protocol PRP. The network function NF2 is assigned to the aforementioned redundancy protocol HSR. The network function NF3 is assigned to the aforementioned redundancy protocol RSTP.

[0055] In Figures 1 to 5, reference numerals 7 and 701 denote communication links that use the PRP protocol and belong to a first LAN network (LAN A). These communication links are shown in red in the actual visual representation, which, unlike Figures 1 to 5, is colored. However, they can also be represented in any other way in the actual visual representation. In contrast, reference numerals 6 and 601 denote communication links that also use the PRP protocol but belong to a second LAN network (LAN B). These communication links are shown in blue in the actual visual display. However, they can also be represented in any other way in the actual visual representation.In addition, the figures show communication links in the form of ring connections 8 based on the HSR protocol, as well as further communication links 9 that use neither PRP nor HSR. These communication links 8 and 9 are shown in green in the actual visual display. However, they can also be represented differently in the actual visual display. The communication links 6 and 601 differ in that the communication links 6 are internal communication links within a network section, whereas the communication links 601 represent external communication links between network sections. Similarly, the communication links 7 are internal communication links within a network section, whereas the communication links 701 represent external communication links between network sections.Communication connections 8 and 9 are each internal communication connections within a network section.

[0056] According to Fig. 1, for a network topology to be created, the user first selects a network section of the network type NT1 (backbone) via the user interface U1. This selection can be made, for example, by the user positioning a corresponding cursor in the visual display of Fig. 1 using a computer mouse on the bar labeled F3 (backbone) and then clicking the computer mouse. As a result, the user is shown the three network functions NF1, NF2 and NF3, i.e. the corresponding redundancy protocols PRP, HSR and RSTP, for this network type. The user finally selects the network function NF1 (i.e. the PRP protocol), which is visually indicated in Fig. 1 by the border B1. This selection can in turn be made by the user positioning a corresponding cursor in the visual display of Fig.1 is positioned on the bar labeled F4 (PRP) using a computer mouse and then clicked on the computer mouse. Alternatively, the selection can also be made via drag and drop. As a result, the right part of the visual display shows the network section NA1, which represents a predefined backbone network containing devices 1, 2, and 3.

[0057] In Fig. 1 and the following figures, Device 1 is a device type in the form of timer-equipped switches, whereas Device 2 is a device type in the form of redundancy boxes according to the IEC 61850 standard, and Device 3 is a device type in the form of switches without a timer. A redundancy box is a special type of switch (preferably a compact switch) for connecting so-called single-attached nodes to a PRP network.

[0058] According to Fig. 2, in a next step, the user selects a bay network as a further component of the network topology, which in turn uses the PRP redundancy protocol. This is indicated by the border B2 in Fig. 2. Consequently, a predefined bay network is displayed in the right-hand part of the visual display as a further network section NA2. This bay network contains four switches 3 without timers, three devices 4 in the form of Protection IEDs (Intelligent Electronic Devices), and six devices 5 in the form of MUs (Merging Units). Here and in the following, the reference numeral 4 always designates the device type of a Protection IED, and the reference numeral 5 always designates the device type of an MU.

[0059] The network sections NA1 and NA2 shown in Fig. 2 are not yet linked to each other via external communication links. These external communication links are selected in a next step by the user via the user interface U1, for example, by drawing lines between network sections. As a result, the visual display of Fig. 3 is generated. As can be seen, communication links 701 and 601 between the network sections NA1 and NA2 were added at communication points of corresponding switches 3 via a suitable user input. In the step shown in Fig. 4, the user selects another predefined bay network based on the HSR redundancy protocol as the last network section for the network topology to be created, as indicated by the border B3. The network section NA3 is then displayed in the right-hand part of the visual display of the display DI.This network section contains the two ring-shaped communication connections 8 as well as four redundancy boxes 2, three protection LEDs 4 and five MUs 5. There are no external communication connections from the network section NA3 to the other network sections NA1 and NA2.

[0060] The user then selects corresponding external communication connections using appropriate user input, for example, by drawing lines between network sections. The display is then reproduced as shown in Fig. 5. As can be seen, additional external communication connections 601 and 701 now exist between network section NA3 and network sections NA1, NA2. By selecting appropriate templates via the sidebar SB, the user has thus defined a network topology based on predefined network sections and, in addition, has also defined the external communication connections between the network sections.

[0061] In a preferred variant, the user interface U1 is further configured such that the user can also edit the network sections graphically displayed on the display DI. For example, they can delete or change the elements contained therein or add new elements. In a further preferred variant, it is also possible for the individual devices displayed to be specifically configured based on manufacturer types. This can be done manually by the user or automatically by reading in a configuration file. In a further preferred embodiment, external communication connections added by the user are checked to determine whether they are technically permissible. If this is not the case, the corresponding communication connections are deleted again in the visual display.Additionally, the user is given a corresponding notification on the visual display regarding the deletion of the communication connection. For example, communication connections are deleted if they are not possible at all due to port compatibility of the linked devices.

[0062] The embodiments of the invention described above have a number of advantages. In particular, a user interface is created that easily and intuitively supports a user in creating the topology of a communications network for an industrial plant. The user can select predefined network templates based on the definition of network types and network functions, after which predefined network sections are visually displayed. The user has the option of defining external communication connections between the displayed network sections. Optionally, they also have the option of adapting the displayed network sections. In particular, they can change or delete device types and, if necessary, add new device types.The communication network of the industrial plant can thus be modeled holistically and comprehensively step by step for the required purpose using predefined network templates.

[0063] Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, persons with male, female or other gender identities are included.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method for computer-aided user assistance in the creation of a topology of a communication network (KN) for an industrial plant, wherein by means of a user interface (III) comprising a display (DI): a) predefined network sections (NA1, NA2, NA3) are graphically displayed on the display (DI) in response to first user inputs at the user interface (III), wherein - the first user inputs select a network type (NT1, NT2, NT3) from a plurality of network types (NT1, NT2, NT3) and a network function (NF1, NF2, NF3) from a plurality of network functions (NF1, NF2, NF3) for each network section (NA1, NA2, NA3) to be reproduced, - a respective reproduced network section (NA1, NA2, NA3) corresponds to the selected network type (NT1, NT2, NT3) and has the selected network function (NF1, NF2, NF3) and contains devices (1, 2, ..., 5) from predetermined device types and internal communication connections (6, 7, 8, 9) between the devices (1, 2, ..., 5), - the devices (1, 2, ..., 5) and the internal communication connections (6, 7, 8, 9) are graphically displayed on the display (DI), - the network types (NT1, NT2, NT3) comprise at least one central network (NT1), one decentralized network (NT3) which is provided for connection to a central network (NT1), and an aggregation network (NT2) which is provided for interposition between a central network (NT1) and several decentralized networks (NT3); b) external communication connections (601, 701) between at least some of the displayed network sections (NA1, NA2, NA3) are graphically displayed on the display (DI) in response to second user inputs at the user interface (III), wherein the second user inputs define links between displayed devices (1, 2, ..., 5) of different network sections (NA1, NA2, NA3).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of network functions (NF1, NF2, NF3) comprise network protocols, wherein a network protocol which a respective reproduced network section (NA1, NA2, NA3) has as a network function (NF1, NF2, NF3) is used in this network section (NA1, NA2, NA3).

3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the network protocols comprise at least one of the following protocols: - Parallel Redundancy Protocol, PRP, - High-availability Seamless Redundancy, HSR, - Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol, RSTP, - Network Time Protocol, NTP, - Precision Time Protocol, PTP, - Media Redundancy Protocol, MRP.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the predetermined device types comprise one or more network device types and one or more types of switches and / or routers.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the predetermined device types comprise one or more terminal device types and one or more of the following types: - a Protection Intelligent Electronic Device, IED, - a merging unit, MU.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the user interface (Ul) enables modification of the reproduced network sections (NA1, NA2, NA3) by the user.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an external communication connection (601, 701) is only permanently displayed graphically on the display (DI) in response to a second user input if the link between the displayed devices (1, 2, ..., 5) is permissible according to the second user input.

8. Device for computer-aided user assistance in creating a topology of a communication network (KN) for an industrial plant, wherein the device comprises a user interface (Ul) with a display (DI) and the user interface (Ul) is configured to carry out a method in which: a) predefined network sections (NA1, NA2, NA3) are graphically displayed on the display (DI) in response to initial user inputs at the user interface (III), wherein - the first user inputs select a network type (NT1, NT2, NT3) from a plurality of network types (NT1, NT2, NT3) and a network function (NF1, NF2, NF3) from a plurality of network functions (NF1, NF2, NF3) for each network section (NA1, NA2, NA3) to be reproduced, - wherein a respective reproduced network section (NA1, NA2, NA3) corresponds to the selected network type (NT1, NT2, NT3) and has the selected network function (NF1, NF2, NF3) and contains devices (1, 2, ..., 5) from predetermined device types and internal communication connections (6, 7, 8) between the devices (1, 2, ..., 5), - the devices (1, 2, ... , 5) and the internal communication connections (6, 7, 8, 9) are graphically displayed on the display (DI), - the network types (NT1, NT2, NT3) comprise at least one central network (NT1), one decentralized network (NT3) which is provided for connection to a central network (NT1), and an aggregation network (NT2) which is provided for interposition between a central network (NT1) and several decentralized networks (NT3); b) external communication connections (601, 701) between at least some of the displayed network sections (NA1, NA2, NA3) are graphically displayed on the display (DI) in response to second user inputs at the user interface (III), wherein the second user inputs define links between displayed devices (1, 2, ..., 5) of different network sections (NA1, NA2, NA3).

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the user interface (III) is configured to carry out a method according to one of claims 2 to 7.

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