Methods for processing data in hierarchical edge platform, an edge gateway and a system thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to methods, an edge gateway (104), and a system (112) for processing data of field devices (106) in hierarchical edge platform (100). The method comprises receiving measurement data of plurality of variables from field devices (106). Further, the method comprises detecting disconnection between the edge gateway (104) and the monitoring edge device (102). Furthermore, the method comprises comparing a current value of each of the plurality of variables with a previously received value of corresponding variable in the measurement data. Moreover, the method comprises determining deviation in the current value and the previously received value of at least one variable exceeding predefined threshold value. Thereafter, the method comprises generating priority queue by adding the current value of the at least one variable, based on deviation. The measurement data of the plurality of variables are processed at the monitoring edge device (102) based on the priority queue.

Description

TITLE: “METHODS FOR PROCESSING DATA IN HIERARCHICAL EDGE PLATFORM, AN EDGE GATEWAY AND A SYSTEM THEREOF”TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to data processing in industrial systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to methods, an edge gateway, and a system for processing data in a hierarchical edge platform.BACKGROUND

[0002] Edge computing is a distributed computing architecture that brings computation and data storage closer to sources of data. As edge computing has developed, various methods to effectively manage data gathering, processing, and distribution are needed. A hierarchical edge platform represents a hierarchy of edge computing layers. Each layer filters, processes, and derives insights as data flows from the bottom of the hierarchy to the top. The higher edge computing layers perform computation and analytics to provide real-time alerts or notifications to operators / engineers to make critical decisions. The hierarchical edge platforms improve data processing and security in edge computing environments. A data diode is used in the hierarchical edge platform to allow one-way flow of information between the edge computing layers and thus improve the security of data transmission process.

[0003] Further, each data packet that is transmitted between the edge computing layers is timestamped at a data source (for instance, a field device), to maintain a track of the sequence in which data was collected. This facilitates data synchronization at higher edge computing layers. However, when there is a disconnection between edge devices at different edge computing layers, data collected at lower edge computing layer is not transmitted to the higher edge computing layer, until the connection between the edge devices is restored. Hence, an output of computation or analysis is uncertain with the latest known value of variables associated with the field device, until the connection is restored. This hinders the computation or analysis at the higher edge computing layers. Consequently, the monitoring process and provision of real-time alerts is affected due to the disconnection.

[0004] The information disclosed in this background of the disclosure section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not betaken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.SUMMARY

[0005] In an embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a method for processing data of field devices in a hierarchical edge platform. A plurality of field devices is connected as leaf nodes to an edge gateway, and the edge gateway is connected as a branch node to a monitoring edge device in the hierarchical edge platform. The method comprises receiving measurement data of a plurality of variables, from the plurality of field devices. Further, the method comprises detecting a disconnection between the edge gateway and the monitoring edge device. Furthermore, the method comprises comparing a current value of each of the plurality of variables with a previously received value of corresponding variable in the measurement data. Moreover, the method comprises determining a deviation in the current value and the previously received value of at least one variable exceeding a predefined threshold value. Thereafter, the method comprises generating a priority queue by adding the current value of the at least one variable, based on the determined deviation. The measurement data of the plurality of variables are processed at the monitoring edge device based on the priority queue.

[0006] In an embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a method for processing data of field devices in a hierarchical edge platform. A plurality of field devices is connected as leaf nodes to an edge gateway, and the edge gateway is connected as a branch node to a monitoring edge device in the hierarchical edge platform. The method comprises detecting an establishment of a connection between the edge gateway and the monitoring edge device. The measurement data is received from the edge gateway in a priority queue and a non-priority queue. Further, the method comprises identifying at least one variable from a plurality of variables of the plurality of field devices in the priority queue. Furthermore, the method comprises processing the measurement data of the at least one variable in the priority queue. Thereafter, the method comprises subsequently processing the measurement data of variables other than the at least one variable in the non-priority queue.

[0007] In an embodiment, the present disclosure discloses an edge gateway for processing data of field devices in a hierarchical edge platform. A plurality of field devices is connected as leaf nodes to an edge gateway, and the edge gateway is connected as a branch node to a monitoring edge device in the hierarchical edge platform. The edge gateway comprises a memory, aprocessor, and a network interface unit. The processor is configured to receive measurement data of a plurality of variables, from the plurality of field devices. Further, the processor is configured to detect a disconnection between the edge gateway and the monitoring edge device . Furthermore, the processor is configured to compare a current value of each of the plurality of variables with a previously received value of corresponding variable in the measurement data. Moreover, the processor is configured to determine a deviation in the current value and the previously received value of at least one variable exceeding a predefined threshold value. Thereafter, the processor is configured to generate a priority queue by adding the current value of the at least one variable, based on the determined deviation. The measurement data of the plurality of variables are processed at the monitoring edge device based on the priority queue. The network interface unit is configured to transmit the measurement data of the at least one variable in the priority queue and the measurement data of variables other than the at least one variable in the plurality of variables in a non-priority queue, to the monitoring edge device.

[0008] In an embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a system for processing data of field devices in a hierarchical edge platform. The system comprises an edge gateway, a monitoring edge device, and a plurality of field devices. The plurality of field devices is connected as leaf nodes to the edge gateway, and the edge gateway is connected as a branch node to the monitoring edge device in the hierarchical edge platform. The edge gateway is configured to receive measurement data of a plurality of variables, from the plurality of field devices. Further, the edge gateway is configured to detect a disconnection between the edge gateway and the monitoring edge device. Furthermore, the edge gateway is configured to compare a current value of each of the plurality of variables with a previously received value of corresponding variable in the measurement data. Moreover, the edge gateway is configured to determine a deviation in the current value and the previously received value of at least one variable exceeding a predefined threshold value. Thereafter, the edge gateway is configured to generate a priority queue by adding the current value of the at least one variable, based on the determined deviation. The measurement data of the plurality of variables are processed at the monitoring edge device based on the priority queue.

[0009] The monitoring edge device is configured to detect an establishment of a connection between the edge gateway and the monitoring edge device, wherein the measurement data is received from the edge gateway in the priority queue and a non-priority queue. Further, the monitoring edge device is configured to identify at least one variable of the plurality of fielddevices in the priority queue. The monitoring edge device is configured to process the measurement data of the at least one variable in the priority queue; and subsequently process the measurement data of variables other than the at least one variable in the non -priority queue.

[0010] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0011] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[0012] Figure 1 A illustrates an exemplary hierarchical edge platform, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure IB illustrates a system for processing data of field devices in a hierarchical edge platform, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 2 illustrates a detailed diagram of an edge gateway for processing data of field devices in a hierarchical edge platform, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figures 3, 4, 5 show exemplary flow diagrams for processing data of field devices in a hierarchical edge platform, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 6 shows an exemplary flow chart illustrating method steps performed by an edge gateway for processing data of field devices in a hierarchical edge platform, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 7 shows an exemplary flow chart illustrating method steps performed by a monitoring edge device for processing data of field devices in a hierarchical edge platform, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0018] Figure 8 shows a block diagram of a general -purpose computing system for processing data of field devices in a hierarchical edge platform, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagram herein represents conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the present subject matter. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, pseudo code, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable medium and executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0021] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0022] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises. . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

[0023] A hierarchical edge platform represents a hierarchy of edge computing layers. Each layer filters, processes, and derives insights as dataflows from the bottom of the hierarchy to the top. The higher edge computing layers perform computation and analytics to provide realtime alerts or notifications to operators / engineers to make critical decisions. However, when there is a disconnection between edge devices at different edge computing layers, data collected at lower edge computing layer is not transmitted to the higher edge computing layer, until the connection between the edge devices is restored. Hence, an output of computation is uncertain with the latest known value, until the connection is restored. The higher edge computing layer stores the output in a temporary cache and recalculates the output when the datafrom the lower edge computing layer is received. The lower edge computing layer buffers the collected data when there is a disconnection. The most recent known values for variables and alarms are transmitted by the lower edge computing layer when the connection is restored. The outputs and alarms are written back to main history and are transmitted to the operators only when the calculation of all the buffered values is complete. This process takes significant time to process the buffered values and identify any anomalies that may have occurred during the disconnection.

[0024] The present disclosure discloses methods, an edge gateway, and a system for processing data of field devices in a hierarchical edge platform. In the present disclosure, a current value of each of a plurality of variables is compared with a previously received value in received measurement data. A deviation in the current value from the previously received value is determined. A priority queue is generated by adding the current value of variables for which the deviation exceeds a predefined threshold value. The measurement data of the plurality of variables are transmitted from the edge gateway to a monitoring edge device in a priority queue and a non-priority queue. The measurement data is processed at the monitoring edge device based on the priority queue. Then, the measurement data in the non-priority queue is processed in a chronological order. Hence, the present disclosure enables processing of the measurement data at the higher edge computing platform based on a priority of the variables / values of the variables. The present disclosure ensures that the latest update data of is available for processing at the higher edge computing platform for priority variables. Thus, the present disclosure ensures that the monitoring process and provision of real-time alerts is not affected due to the disconnection. This enables faster detection of any anomalies that may have occurred during the disconnection without any latency. At the same time, the presentdisclosure ensures that buffered data is processed in chronological order for computation and analytics.

[0025] Figure 1 A illustrates an exemplary hierarchical edge platform 100 for processing data of field devices, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The hierarchical edge platform 100 comprises a monitoring edge device 102, an edge gateway 104, and a plurality of field devices 106. The hierarchical edge platform 100 represents a hierarchy of edge computing layers. Each layer filters, processes, and derives insights as data flows from the bottom of the hierarchy to the top. Generally, the layers of the hierarchical edge platform 100 is divided into three categories including embedded edge, gateway edge (or edge gateway or L2 edge), and network edge. The embedded edge is typically the source of data such as a field device. The field device may include, for example, a sensor, an actuator, a peripheral, and the like. The embedded edge may include a field device 106i, IO62, > , 106n(collectively referred to as the plurality of field devices 106) as shown in Figure 1 A. The edge gateway 104 collects and aggregates data from embedded edge or other gateways. In the present disclosure, the edge gateway collects measurement data from the plurality of field devices 106. The plurality of field devices 106 is connected as leaf nodes to the edge gateway 104. The network edge (also referred as the monitoring edge device 102) acts as a bridge between the edge gateway 104 and a cloud server or an enterprise platform. Also, the monitoring edge device 102 performs computation and analytics of the measurement data, to provide real-time alerts or notifications to operators / engineers to make critical decisions. The edge gateway 104 is connected as a branch node to the monitoring edge device 102 in the hierarchical edge platform 100.

[0026] The present disclosure describes processing data of the plurality of field devices 106 when there is a disconnection between the edge gateway 104 and the monitoring edge device 102. Herein, the edge gateway 104 is configured to receive measurement data of a plurality of variables from the plurality of field devices 106. The edge gateway 104 detects that there is a disconnection between the edge gateway 104 and the monitoring edge device 102. When a disconnection is detected, the edge gateway 104 compares a current value of each of the plurality of variables with a previously received value in the measurement data. The edge gateway 104 determines whether a deviation in the current value and the previously received value is exceeding a predefined threshold value for any variable. When the deviation exceeds the predefined threshold value fora variable, the edge gateway 104 generates a priority queue108 by adding the current value of the variable. In this way, the edge gateway 104 generates the priority queue 108 by adding current values of variables for which the deviation is exceeding the predefined threshold value and based on pre-defined rules. In an embodiment, the pre-defined rules may be stored in a database 110. The monitoring edge device 102 receives the measurement data from the edge gateway 104 in the priority queue 108 and a non -priority queue or buffer (not shown in figures). The monitoring edge device 102 processes the measurement data in the priority queue 108 and subsequently processes the measurement data in the non-priority queue. Hence, the present disclosure enables processing of the measurement data at the higher edge computing platform based on a priority of the variables / vahies of the variables. In an embodiment, the edge gateway 104 may be implemented in a variety of computing systems, such as a laptop computer, a server, a Personal Computer (PC), an Internet of Things (loT) device, and the like.

[0027] Figure IB illustrates a system 112 configured to process data of the plurality of field devices 106 in the hierarchical edgeplatform 100. The system 112 comprises the edge gateway 104, the monitoring edge device 102, and the plurality of field devices. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the system 112 implemented in the hierarchical edge platform 100 may comprise additional components not illustrated in figures. The edge gateway 104 and the monitoring edge device 102 are configured as stated in above paragraphs and is not repeated again for sake of brevity.

[0028] Figure 2 illustrates a detailed diagram 200 of the edge gateway 104 for processing data of the plurality of field devices 106 in the hierarchical edge platform 100, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The edge gateway 104 may include a network interface unit 202, a memory 204, and Central Processing Units 206 (also referred as “CPUs” or “a processor 206”). In some embodiments, the memory 204 may be communicatively coupled to the processor 206. The memory 204 stores instructions executable by the processor 206. The processor 206 may comprise at least one data processor for executing program components for executing user or system-generated requests. The memory 204 may be communicatively coupled to the processor 206. The memory 204 stores instructions, executable by the processor 206, which, on execution, may cause the processor 206 to generate the priority queue 108 for processing the data of the plurality of field devices 106. In an embodiment, the memory 204 may include one or more modules 210 and computation data 208. The one or more modules 210 may be configured to perform the steps of the presentdisclosure using the computation data 208, to generate the priority queue 108 for processing the data of the plurality of field devices 106. In an embodiment, each of the one or more modules 210 may be a hardware unit which may be outside the memory 204 and coupled with the edge gateway 104. As used herein, the term modules 210 refers to an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a Field -Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA), Programmable System-on-Chip (PSoC), a combinational logic circuit, and / or other suitable components that provide described functionality. The one or more modules 210 when configured with the described functionality defined in the present disclosure will result in a novel hardware. Further, the network interface unit 202 is coupled with the processor 206 through which an input signal or / and an output signal is communicated. In the present disclosure, the network interface unit 202 may transmit the measurement data of at least one variable in the priority queue 108 and the measurement data of variables other than the at least one variable in the plurality of variables in the non-priority queue, to the monitoring edge device 102. The network interface unit 202 may be used for other communications such as, to transmit the measurement data from the plurality of field devices 106 to the processor 206.

[0029] In one implementation, the modules 210 may include, for example, an input module 224, a detection module 226, a comparison module 228, a determination module 230, a generation module 232, and auxiliary modules 234. It will be appreciated that such aforementioned modules 210 may be represented as a single module or a combination of different modules. In one implementation, the computation data 208 may include, for example, measurement data 212, detection data 214, comparison data 216, determination data, generation data 220, and auxiliary data 222.

[0030] In an embodiment, the input module 224 may be configured to receive measurement data of a plurality of variables from the plurality of field devices 106. The input module 224 may receive raw data from the plurality of field devices 106. The plurality of field devices 106 generate the raw data in real-time continuously. In an embodiment, the input module 224 may receive the measurement data of the plurality of variables from the plurality of field devices 106 continuously. In another embodiment, the input module 224 may receive the measurement data of the plurality of variables from the plurality of field devices 106 in periodic intervals. In an embodiment, the input module 224 may sample the measurement data received from the plurality of field devices 106 and perform pre-processing of the measurement data. In an example, the input module 224 may perform smoothening of the measurement data to removeunnecessary vibrations in the measurement data. The plurality of field devices 106 may include, but not limited to, sensors, actuators, electrical meters, controllers, and valves. In an example, consider the plurality of field devices 106 includes a motor. The plurality of variables of the motor may comprise speed, torque, angular velocity, voltage, temperature, current consumed by the motor, and the like. The measurement datamay comprise real-time values of the plurality of variables of the plurality of field devices 106. For example, the measurement data may comprise voltage values, current consumption values, temperature values of the motor, and the like. The measurement data(shown as the measurement data212) may be stored in the memory 204.

[0031] In an embodiment, the detection module 226 may be configured to receive the measurement data 212 from the input module 224. Further, the detection module 226 may be configured to detect a disconnection between the edge gateway 104 and the monitoring edge device 102. The edge gateway 104 and the monitoring edge device 102 transmit keep alive signals to each other, during an active connection. The detection module 226 may detect an absence of keep alive signals transmitted between the edge gateway 104 and the monitoring edge device 102. The detection module 226 may detect that the edge gateway 104 is disconnected from the monitoring edge device 102, upon absence of keep alive signals. Referring to an exemplary flow diagram in Figure 3, the detection module 226 may detect the disconnection between the edge gateway 104 and the monitoring edge device 102 at step 302. Referring back to Figure 2, a connection status indicating one of, a connection and a disconnection between the edge gateway 104 and the monitoring edge device 102 may be stored as the detection data 214 in the memory 204.

[0032] In an embodiment, the comparison module 228 may be configured to receive the measurement data 212 and the detection data 214 from the input module 224 and the detection module 226, respectively. Further, the comparison module 228 may be configured to compare a current value of each of the plurality of variables with a previously received value of corresponding variable in the measurement data. In an embodiment, consider a value ‘a’ of a variable ‘x’ is transmitted to the monitoring edge device 102. The value ‘a’ may be stored in a buffer in the comparison module 228. Then, a disconnection between the edge gateway 104 and the monitoring edge device 102 may be detected. The comparison module 228 may receive a value ‘b’ from the input module 224. The comparison module 228 may compare the current value ‘b’ with the previously received value ‘a’ stored in the buffer. In an example, the variable‘x’ may be a voltage of a motor. The values ‘a’ and ‘b’ may be voltage values of the motor. The result of comparison may be stored as the comparison data 216 in the memory 204.

[0033] In an embodiment, the determination module 230 may be configured to receive the comparison data 216 from the comparison module 228. Further, the determination module 230 may be configured to determine a deviation in the current value and the previously received value of at least one variable exceeding a predefined threshold value. In an embodiment, the predefined threshold value may be defined based on domain knowledge. For instance, consider a significant sudden drop in speed of the motor needs to be monitored. In such a case, the predefined threshold value may be set to a high value based on the domain knowledge. In another example, it may be desired that a value of a variable is constant for proper operation of field device. A minor change in the value of the variable may be critical. In such a case, the predefined threshold value may be set to a low value based on the domain knowledge. In an embodiment, the predefined threshold value may be defined for each variable of each of the plurality of field devices 106. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that defining of the predefined threshold value may employ other methods, and this should not be considered as limiting.

[0034] The determination module 230 may determine the deviation in the current value and the previously received value of at least one variable exceeding the predefined threshold value. For example, consider there is a sudden drop in voltage of the motor. The determination module 230 may determine the deviation between the current value of voltage of the motor and the previously received value is greater than the predefined threshold value. Referring again to Figure 3, when the disconnection is detected, a process of queuing may be started as shown in 304. At step 306, it may be determined whether a variable is to be added in the priority queue 108. The determination may be based on the pre-defined rules. The deviation between the current value and the previously received value may be determined at step 308. Referring back to Figure 2, the deviation in the current value and the previously received value may be stored as the determination data 218 in the memory 204.

[0035] In an embodiment, the generation module 232 may be configured to receive the determination data218 from the determination module 230. Further, the generation module 232 may be configured to generate the priority queue 108 by adding the current value of the at least one variable, based on the determined deviation. In an example, consider the deviation of the current value of a variable ‘x’ is determined to be greater than the predefined threshold value.The current value of the variable ‘x’ may be added to the priority queue. Further, consider the deviation of the current value of a variable ‘y’ is determined to be greater than the predefined threshold value. The current value of the variable ‘y’ may be added to the priority queue.

[0036] In an embodiment, the priority queue 108 is generated based on pre-defined rules. The pre-defined rules may comprise at least one of, a priority level assigned to the plurality of field devices 106 based on historical data, a priority level assigned to the plurality of variables based on requirement of monitoring corresponding variables at the monitoring edge device 102, a priority level assigned to the plurality of variables based on a relationship between corresponding variables, and a critical value of the plurality of variables. The priority level may be assigned to the plurality of field devices 106 based on historical data. For example, information of criticality of a field device / asset may be exported and imported to the edge gateway 104 which may be stored as the historical data. The priority level may be assigned based on the criticality of the field device. The priority level may be assigned to the plurality of variables based on the requirement of monitoring corresponding variables at the monitoring edge device 102. The monitoring edge device 102 may inform variables of field devices used for computation to the edge gateway 104.

[0037] The priority level assigned may be to the plurality of variables based on a relationship between corresponding variables. For instance, there may be a variation in the speed of the motor even when the voltage is steady. Hence, the d epend ency / relationship between the variables may be considered. The priority level may be assigned based on a critical value of the plurality of variables. For instance, a value of a variable may indicate a requirement of maintenance of a field device. The priority queue 108 may be generated based on the predefined rules. The values of variables other than the at least one variable in the plurality of variables are stored in a non-priority queue. The non-priority queue may be a buffer in which the edge gateway 104 stores the measurement datawhen the connection exists between the edge gateway 104 and the monitoring edge device 102. When the deviation is less than the predefined threshold range or when the variable is not a priority according to the pre-defined rules, a current value of the variable may be added in the non-priority queue as shown in step 322 in Figure 3. At step 308 in Figure 3, when the deviation of the current value with the previously received value exceeds the predefined threshold value, the current value is added to the priority queue 108 as shown in step 310.

[0038] Referring to the above-stated example, the voltage value of the motor may be added to the priority queue 108. The decrease in voltage can lead to the motor consuming a greater amount of current in order to correct the situation, which subsequently leads to an escalation in the production of heat. This leads to the inclusion of the motor's temperature in the prioritised queue. When the deviation in the current value and the previously received value of a variable is less than the predefined threshold value, the generation module 232 may identify whether the variable is added in the priority queue 108 as shown in step 312. The generation module 232 may remove the variable from the priority queue 108, upon the identification as shown in step 314. For example, consider the voltage returns to usual level, the generation of heat may decrease, causing it to no longer be prioritized and removed from the prioritized queue. The value of the voltage may be added into the non-priority queue which is important for later analysis. If the circumstance of voltage drop occurs frequently, it might lead to the motor overheating, which has the potential to harm its insulation, windings, and other internal parts. Excessive heat might also lead to a reduced motor lifespan and higher maintenance expenses. Therefore, it is crucial to notify the user and analyze the underlying cause and factors if the voltage regulator was not operating properly. Hence, the value of the voltage is added to the non-priority queue for later analysis even though the voltage value returned to usual level.

[0039] Referring to step 302 in Figure 3, the establishment of connection between the edge gateway 104 and the monitoring edge device 102 may be detected. The edge gateway 104 may transmit the measurement data of the at least one variable based on the priority queue 108 until the priority queue 108 is empty as shown in steps 316 and 318. The edge gateway 104 may transmit the measurement data of the at least one variable based on the non-priority queue once the priority queue 108 is empty as shown in step 320.

[0040] The auxiliary data 222 may store data, including temporary data and temporary files, generated by the one or more modules 210 for performing the various functions of the edge gateway 104. The one or more modules 210 may also include the auxiliary modules 234 to perform various miscellaneous functionalities of the edge gateway 104. The auxiliary data 222 may be stored in the memory 204. It will be appreciated that the one or more modules 210 may be represented as a single module or a combination of different modules.

[0041] Figure 6 shows an exemplary flow chart illustrating method steps for processing data of the plurality of field devices 106 in the hierarchical edge platform 100, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated in Figure 6, the method 600 maycomprise one or more steps. The method 600 may be described in the general context of computer executable instructions. Generally, computer executable instructions can include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, and functions, which perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types.

[0042] The order in which the method 600 is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.

[0043] At step 602, the measurement data of the plurality of variables is received from the plurality of field devices 106. In an embodiment, the edge gateway 104 may receive the measurement data of the plurality of variables from the plurality of field devices 106 continuously. In another embodiment, the edge gateway 104 may receive the measurement data of the plurality of variables from the plurality of field devices 106 in periodic intervals.

[0044] At step 604, a disconnection between the edge gateway 104 and the monitoring edge device 102 is detected. The edge gateway 104 may detect an absence of keep alive signals transmitted between the edge gateway 104 and the monitoring edge device 102. The edge gateway 104 may detect that the edge gateway 104 is disconnected from the monitoring edge device 102, upon absence of keep alive signals.

[0045] At step 606, a current value of each of the plurality of variables is compared with a previously received value of corresponding variable in the measurement data.

[0046] At step 608, a deviation in the current value and the previously received value of at least one variable is determined to be exceeding a predefined threshold value. In an embodiment, the predefined threshold value may be defined based on domain knowledge.

[0047] At step 610, the priority queue 108 is generated by adding the current value of the at least one variable, based on the determined deviation. In an embodiment, the priority queue 108 is generated based on pre-defined rules. The pre-defined rules may comprise at least one of, a priority level assigned to the plurality of field devices 106 based on historical data, a priority level assigned to the plurality of variables based on requirement of monitoring correspondingvariables at the monitoring edge device 102, apriority level assigned to the plurality of variables based on a relationship between corresponding variables, and a critical value of the plurality of variables. The values of variables other than the at least one variable in the plurality of variables are stored in a non-priority queue.

[0048] Figure 7 shows an exemplary flow chart illustrating method steps for processing data of the plurality of field devices 106 in the hierarchical edge platform 100, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated in Figure 7, the method 700 may comprise one or more steps. The method 700 may be described in the general context of computer executable instructions. Generally, computer executable instructions can include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, and functions, which perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types.

[0049] The order in which the method 700 is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.

[0050] At step 702, an establishment of a connection between the edge gateway 104 and the monitoring edge device 102 is detected. The monitoring edge device 102 may detect the connection between the edge gateway 104 and the monitoring edge device 102 by detecting the keep alive signals transmitted from the edge gateway 104. The monitoring edge device 102 may receive the measurement data in the priority queue 108 and the non-priority queue, once the connection is established. Referring to Figure 5, the monitoring edge device 102 determines whether the edge gateway 104 is connected to the monitoring edge device 102, at step 502. The monitoring edge device 102 adds calculation input to a queue or a buffer when the edge gateway 104 is disconnected to the monitoring edge device 102, at step 504.

[0051] Referring back to Figure 7, at step 704, at least one variable from a plurality of variables of the plurality of field devices 106 is identified in the priority queue 108. The monitoring edge device 102 identifies whether any variable is present in the priority queue 108 for processing. Referring to Figure 4, the monitoring edge device 102 determines whether backfilling of data (reception of data from the edge gateway 104) is complete, at step 402. The monitoring edgedevice 102 determines whether there is atleast one variable in the priority queue 108 orwhether the priority queue 108 is complete, at step 404.

[0052] Referring back to Figure 7, at step 706, the measurement data of the at least one variable in the priority queue 108 is processed. Firstly, the monitoring edge device 102 processes the at least one variable in the priority queue 108, until the priority queue 108 is empty. The monitoring edge device 102 processes the at least one variable in the priority queue 108 until the priority queue 108 is empty and publishes alarm, as shown in steps 406-410 in Figure 4. Referring again toFigure 5, when the monitoring edge device 102 detects a connection between the edge gateway 104 and the monitoring edge device 102 at step 502, the monitoring edge device 102 processes the at least one variable in the priority queue 108 as shown in steps 506- 508 and table 518.

[0053] Referring back to Figure 7, at step 708, the measurement data of variables other than the at least one variable in the non-priority queue is processed subsequently. The measurement data of the variables in the non-priority queue is processed based on a chronological order of timestamps associated with values of the plurality of variables in the measurement data. The measurement data in the non-priority queue is processed once the priority queue 108 is empty, as shown in steps 418-420 of Figure 4. Referring again to Figure 5, the monitoring edge device 102 subsequently processes the measurement data in the non-priority queue in chronological order as shown in steps 510-516 and table 520.COMPUTER SYSTEM

[0054] Figure 8 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary computer system 800 for implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the computer system 800 may be the edge gateway 104. Thus, the computer system 800 may be used to process data of field devices in a hierarchical edge platform. The computer system 800 may comprise a Central Processing Unit 804 (also referred as “CPU” or “processed’). The processor 804 may comprise at least one data processor. The processor 804 may include specialized processing units such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, etc.

[0055] The processor 804 may be disposed in communication with one or more input / output (VO) devices (not shown) via I / O interface 802. The I / O interface 802 may employcommunication protocols / methods such as, without limitation, audio, analog, digital, monoaural, RCA, stereo, IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) -1394, serial bus, universal serial bus (USB), infrared, PS / 2, BNC, coaxial, component, composite, digital visual interface (DVI), high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), Radio Frequency (RF) antennas, S-Video, VGA, IEEE 802. n / b / g / n / x, Bluetooth, cellular (e.g., code-division multiple access (CDMA), high-speed packet access (HSPA+), global system for mobile communications (GSM), long-term evolution (LTE), WiMax, or the like), etc.

[0056] Using the VO interface 802, the computer system 800 may communicate with one or more VO devices. For example, the input device 820 may be an antenna, keyboard, mouse, joystick, (infrared) remote control, camera, card reader, fax machine, dongle, biometric reader, microphone, touch screen, touchpad, trackball, stylus, scanner, storage device, transceiver, video device / source, etc. The output device 822 may be a printer, fax machine, video display (e.g., cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), light-emitting diode (LED), plasma, Plasma display panel (PDP), Organic light-emitting diode display (OLED) or the like), audio speaker, etc.

[0057] The processor 804 may be disposed in communication with the communication network 818 via a network interface 806. The network interface 806 may communicate with the communication network 818. The network interface 806 may employ connection protocols including, without limitation, direct connect, Ethernet (e.g., twisted pair 10 / 100 / 1000 Base T), transmission control protocol / intemet protocol (TCP / IP), token ring, IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / x, etc. The communication network 818 may include, without limitation, a direct interconnection, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), wireless network (e.g., using Wireless Application Protocol), the Internet, etc. The network interface 806 may employ connection protocols include, but not limited to, direct connect, Ethernet (e.g., twisted pair 10 / 100 / 1000 Base T), transmission control protocol / intemet protocol (TCP / IP), token ring, IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / x, etc.

[0058] The communication network 818 includes, but is not limited to, a direct interconnection, an e-commerce network, a peer to peer (P2P) network, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), wireless network (e.g., using Wireless Application Protocol), the Internet, WiFi, and such. The first network and the second network may either be a dedicated network or a shared network, which represents an association of the different types of networks that use a variety of protocols, for example, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Transmission ControlProtocol / Intemet Protocol (TCP / IP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), etc., to communicate with each other. Further, the first network and the second network may include a variety of network devices, including routers, bridges, servers, computing devices, storage devices, etc.

[0059] In some embodiments, the processor 804 may be disposed in communication with a memory 810 (e.g, RAM, ROM, etc. not shown in Figure 5) via a storage interface 808. The storage interface 808 may connect to memory 810 including, without limitation, memory drives, removable disc drives, etc., employing connection protocols such as serial advanced technology attachment (SATA), Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE), IEEE-1394, Universal Serial Bus (USB), fiber channel, Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI), etc. The memory drives may further include a drum, magnetic disc drive, magneto-optical drive, optical drive, Redundant Array of Independent Discs (RAID), solid-state memory devices, solid-state drives, etc.

[0060] The memory 810 may store a collection of program or database components, including, without limitation, user interface 812, an operating system 814, web browser 816 etc. In some embodiments, computer system 800 may store user / application data, such as, the data, variables, records, etc., as described in this disclosure. Such databases may be implemented as fault -tolerant, relational, scalable, secure databases such as Oracle ® or Sybase®.

[0061] The operating system 814 may facilitate resource management and operation of the computer system 800. Examples of operating systems include, without limitation, APPLE MACINTOSH* OS X, UNIXR, UNIX-like system distributions (E.G, BERKELEY SOFTWARE DISTRIBUTION™ (BSD), FREEBSD™, NETBSD™, OPENBSD™, etc ), LINUX DISTRIBUTIONS™ (E G, RED HAT™, UBUNTU™, KUBUNTU™, etc ), IBM™ OS / 2, MICROSOFT™ WINDOWS™ (XP™, VISTA™ / 7 / 8, 10 etc ), APPLERIOS™, GOOGLERANDROID™, BLACKBERRYROS, or the like.

[0062] In some embodiments, the computer system 800 may implement the web browser 816 stored program component. The web browser 816 may be a hypertext viewing application, for example MICROSOFT* INTERNET EXPLORER™, GOOGLERCHROME™0, MOZILLARFIREFOX™, APPLERSAFARI™, etc. Secure web browsing may be provided using Secure Hypertext Transport Protocol (HTTPS), Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), Transport Layer Security (ILS), etc. Web browsers 816 may utilize facilities such as AJAX™, DHTML™, ADOBERFLASH™, JAVASCRIPT™, JAVA™, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), etc. In some embodiments, the computer system 800 may implement a mail server (not shown in Figure) stored program component. The mail server may be an Internet mail server such as Microsoft Exchange, or the like. The mail server may utilize facilities such as ASP™, ACTIVEX™, ANSI™ C++ / C#, MICRO SOFTR, NET™, CGI SCRIPTS™, JAVA™, JAVASCRIPT™, PERL™, PHP™, PYTHON™, WEBOBJECTS™, etc. The mail server may utilize communication protocols such as Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP), Messaging Application Programming Interface (MAPI), MICRO SOFTRexchange, Post Office Protocol (POP), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), or the like. In some embodiments, the computer system 800 may implement a mail client stored program component. The mail client (not shown in Figure) may be a mail viewing application, such as APPLERMAIL™, MICROSOFT* ENTOURAGE™, MICROSOFT* OUTLOOK™, MOZILLARTHUNDERBIRD™, etc.

[0063] Furthermore, one or more computer-readable storage media may be utilized in implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. A computer-readable storage medium refers to any type of physical memory on which information or data readable by a processor may be stored. Thus, a computer-readable storage medium may store instructions for execution by one or more processors, including instructions for causing the processors) to perform steps or stages consistent with the embodiments described herein. The term “computer-readable medium” should be understood to include tangible items and exclude carrier waves and transient signals, i.e., be non-transitory. Examples include Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, hard drives, Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD ROMs), Digital Video Disc (DVDs), flash drives, disks, and any other known physical storage media.

[0064] The present disclosure enables processing of the measurement data at the higher edge computing platform based on a priority of the variables / values of the variables. The present disclosure ensures that the latest update data of is available for processing at the higher edge computing platform for priority variables. Thus, the present disclosure ensures that the monitoring process and provision of real-time alerts is not affected due to the disconnection. This enables faster detection of any anomalies that may have occurred during the disconnection without any latency. At the same time, the present disclosure ensures that buffered data is processed in chronological order for computation and analytics.

[0065] The terms "an embodiment", "embodiment", "embodiments", "the embodiment", "the embodiments", "one or more embodiments", "some embodiments", and "one embodiment" mean "one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention(s)" unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0066] The terms "including", "comprising", “having” and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to", unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0067] The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms "a", "an" and "the" mean "one or more", unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0068] A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the invention.

[0069] When a single device or article is described herein, it will be readily apparent that more than one device / article (whether or not they cooperate) may be used in place of a single device / article. Similarly, where more than one device or article is described herein (whether or not they cooperate), it will be readily apparent that a single device / article may be used in place of the more than one device or article, or a different number of devices / articles may be used instead of the shown number of devices or programs. The functionality and / or the features of a device may be alternatively embodied by one or more other devices which are not explicitly described as having such functionality / features. Thus, other embodiments of the invention need not include the device itself.

[0070] The illustrated operations of Figures 6 and 7 show certain events occurring in a certain order. In alternative embodiments, certain operations may be performed in a different order, modified, or removed. Moreover, steps may be added to the above-described logic and still conform to the described embodiments. Further, operations described herein may occur sequentially or certain operations may be processed in parallel. Yet further, operations may be performed by a single processing unit or by distributed processing units.

[0071] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe theinventive subject matter. Itis therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the disclosure of the embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

[0072] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.Referral Numerals:

Claims

We claim:

1. A method for processing data of field devices in a hierarchical edge platform, the method comprising: receiving, by a processor of an edge gateway (104), measurement data of a plurality of variables, from a plurality of field devices (106) in a hierarchical edge platform (100), wherein the plurality of field devices (106) is connected as leaf nodes to the edge gateway (104), and wherein the edge gateway (104) is connected as a branch node to a monitoring edge device (102) in the hierarchical edge platform (100); detecting, by the processor, a disconnection between the edge gateway (104) and the monitoring edge device (102); comparing, by the processor, a current value of each of the plurality of variables with a previously received value of corresponding variable in the measurement data; determining, by the processor, a deviation in the current value and the previously received value of at least one variable exceeding a predefined threshold value; and generating, by the processor, a priority queue (108) by adding the current value of the at least one variable, based on the determined deviation, wherein the measurement data of the plurality of variables are processed at the monitoring edge device (102) based on the priority queue (108).

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the disconnection is detected based on an absence of keep alive signals transmitted between the edge gateway (104) and the monitoring edge device (102).

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the priority queue (108) is generated based on pre-defined rules.

4. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the pre-defined rules comprise at least one of: a priority level assigned to the plurality of field devices (106) based on historical data, a priority level assigned to the plurality of variables based on requirement of monitoring corresponding variables at the monitoring edge device (102), a priority level assigned to the plurality of variables based on a relationship between corresponding variables, and a critical value of the plurality of variables.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the values of variables other than the at least one variable in the plurality of variables is stored in a non-priority queue.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: detecting an establishment of connection between the edge gateway (104) and the monitoring edge device (102).

7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein detecting the establishment of connection further comprising, transmitting the measurement data of the at least one variable based on the priority queue (108); and subsequently transmitting the measurement data of variables other than the at least one variable in the plurality of variables based on the non-priority queue.

8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein when the deviation in the current value and the previously received value of a variable is less than the predefined threshold value, further comprising: identifying whether the variable is added in the priority queue (108); and removing the variable from the priority queue (108), upon the identification.

9. A method for processing data of field devices in a hierarchical edge platform (100), the method comprising: detecting, by a processor of a monitoring edge device (102), an establishment of a connection between an edge gateway (104) and the monitoring edge device (102), wherein the edge gateway (104) is connected as a branch node to the monitoring edge device (102) and a plurality of field devices (106) is connected as leaf nodes to the edge gateway (104) in a hierarchical edge platform (100), wherein the measurement data is received from the edge gateway (104) in a priority queue (108) and a non-priority queue; identifying, by the processor, at least one variable from a plurality of variables of the plurality of field devices (106) in the priority queue (108); processing, by the processor, the measurement data of the at least one variable in the priority queue (108); and subsequently processing, by the processor, the measurement data of variables other than the at least one variable in the non-priority queue.

10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the measurement data of the variables in the non-priority queue is processed based on a chronological order of timestamps associated with values of the plurality of variables in the measurement data.

11. An edge gateway (104) for processing data of field devices in a hierarchical edge platform (100), wherein the edge gateway (104) is connected as a branch node to a monitoring edge device (102) and a plurality of field devices (106) is connected as leaf nodes to the edge gateway (104) in the hierarchical edge platform (100), the edge gateway (104) comprises: a memory (204); a processor (206) configured to: receive measurement data of a plurality of variables from the plurality of field devices (106); detect a disconnection between the edge gateway (104) and the monitoring edge device (102); compare a current value of each of the plurality of variables with a previously received value of corresponding variable in the measurement data; determine a deviation in the current value and the previously received value of at least one variable exceeding a predefined threshold value; and generate a priority queue (108) by adding the current value of the at least one variable, based on the determined deviation, wherein the measurement data of the plurality of variables are processed at the monitoring edge device (102) based on the priority queue (108); a network interface unit (202) configured to: transmit the measurement data of the at least one variable in the priority queue (108) and the measurement data of variables other than the at least one variable in the plurality of variables in a non-priority queue, to the monitoring edge device (102).

12. A system (112) for processing data of field devices in a hierarchical edge platform (100), the system (112) comprises: an edge gateway (104); a monitoring edge device (102); and a plurality of field devices (106),wherein the edge gateway (104) is connected as a branch node to the monitoring edge device (102) and the plurality of field devices (106) is connected as leaf nodes to the edge gateway (104) in a hierarchical edge platform (100), wherein the edge gateway (104) is configured to: receive measurement data of a plurality of variables, from the plurality of field devices (106); detect a disconnection between the edge gateway (104) and the monitoring edge device (102); compare a current value of each of the plurality of variables with a previously received value of corresponding variable in the measurement data; determine a deviation in the current value and the previously received value of at least one variable exceeding a predefined threshold value; and generate a priority queue (108) by adding the current value of the at least one variable, based on the determined deviation, wherein the monitoring edge device (102) is configured to: detect an establishment of a connection between the edge gateway (104) and the monitoring edge device (102), wherein the measurement data is received from the edge gateway (104) in the priority queue (108) and a non -priority queue; identify at least one variable of the plurality of field devices (106) in the priority queue (108); process the measurement data of the at least one variable in the priority queue (108); and subsequently process the measurement data of variables other than the at least one variable in the non-priority queue.

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