Discovery Service Asset Inference in Software-Defined Process Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current industrial process control systems are inflexible and hardware-centric, leading to increased costs for initial engineering and change management, as well as cost overruns and supply-chain delays due to dependence on purpose-built hardware.
Innovation Solution
A software-defined process control system (SDCS) that decouples software and hardware, implementing business logic as logical abstractions on top of computer resources and dynamically managing resources using techniques such as software-defined networking, application layers, and storage layers to support dynamic demands during runtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If purpose-built hardware is used in traditional process control systems, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of control functions through software-defined networking and virtualization technologies. Virtual network functions (VNFs) replicate traditional hardware-based control functions, allowing the system to maintain reliability while reducing dependence on specialized physical hardware. The virtualized environment provides redundant copies of control logic that can failover seamlessly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical and electronic hardware-based control systems with software-defined alternatives. Traditional hardware controllers are substituted with virtualized control functions running on standard computing infrastructure, eliminating the need for specialized physical devices while maintaining control functionality through software abstraction layers.
2Stability of the object's composition
If purpose-built hardware is used in traditional process control systems, then system stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability through software-defined networking and virtualization. Control functions can be dynamically instantiated, migrated, or scaled based on changing process requirements without physical reconfiguration. The virtualized architecture allows runtime adjustments to control logic, network topology, and resource allocation while maintaining system stability through controlled abstraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal control platform where a single virtualized infrastructure can perform multiple control functions across different process areas. The software-defined architecture enables the same hardware platform to host diverse control applications, I/O functions, and networking services, replacing the need for dedicated purpose-built hardware for each function.
3Ease of operation
If traditional hardware-centric architecture is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to supply-chain delays and cost overruns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service capabilities through automated provisioning and management of virtualized control functions. The system can automatically allocate computational resources, configure virtual networks, and deploy control software without manual hardware intervention. This automation accelerates system deployment and reduces dependence on complex supply-chain logistics for physical hardware procurement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If software-defined networking is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary abstraction layer in the form of a software-defined networking (SDN) controller that manages network complexity centrally. The SDN controller mediates between high-level control policies and low-level network device configurations, allowing adaptable network behavior without requiring complex distributed intelligence at each device. This centralized mediation simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A software defined (SD) process control system (SDCS) includes a method executed by a discovery service for inferring information regarding a physical or logical asset of a process plant. The method includes obtaining an announcement indicative of a presence of a physical or logical asset of the process plant. The method also includes obtaining, from a context dictionary, one or more parameters retrievable from the physical or logical asset or one or more services associated with the physical or logical asset that were not indicated in the announcement. Furthermore, the method includes storing a record of the discovered physical or logical asset in a discovered item data store. The record includes an indication of the identity of the physical or logical asset and the one or more parameters or one or more services associated with the physical or logical asset that were not indicated in the announcement.