Abstract Automation Model for Industrial Control Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial control software development platforms are inflexible and require extensive development and testing, often unsupported for newer software paradigms unless a new platform is designed, limiting their ability to adapt to changing automation needs.
Innovation Solution
A flexible and extensible architecture using abstract programming models, such as the Abstract Automation Model (AAM) and Concrete Automation Model (CAM), which supports rapid software development and deployment on various hardware platforms, allowing designers to create new features and functions within a familiar environment, while being adaptable to different programming standards like IEC 61131 and 61499.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a new platform is designed to support newer software paradigms, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and development time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct layers: a language-independent Abstract Automation Model (AAM) layer that handles core automation logic, and language-specific Concrete Automation Model (CAM) layers that translate to various programming standards (IEC 61131, 61499, etc.). This segmentation allows the core AAM to remain simple while supporting multiple paradigms through separate CAM implementations.
Solution Approach 2:
The Abstract Automation Model serves as an intermediary between the development environment and multiple target programming languages/platforms. The AAM provides a unified, language-independent representation of automation logic that can be translated to various CAMs, eliminating the need to design separate platforms for each software paradigm.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a new platform is designed to support newer software paradigms, then adaptability improves, but development time and testing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The Abstract Automation Model is designed in advance as a language-independent foundation that anticipates multiple target platforms. By establishing the AAM first with core automation logic, subsequent support for new software paradigms can be added by creating new CAMs without redeveloping the core system, significantly reducing development and testing time for new paradigm support.
3Loss of time
If existing platforms are used, then development time is reduced, but adaptability to newer software paradigms deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The Abstract Automation Model serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a unified development environment, acts as a translation layer to various programming languages (IEC 61131, 61499, etc.), and enables support for newer software paradigms. This multi-functionality allows rapid development while maintaining adaptability to diverse and evolving automation standards.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system development platform is provided. The platform includes a shell component adapted to support development of a control systems application. An abstract model is associated with the shell component to facilitate development of the control systems applications.