Automation Broker Architecture for Multi-Protocol Data Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial automation systems face inefficiencies due to hardwired connections and repeated translation operations between devices using different communication protocols, leading to complex and time-consuming maintenance and data transmission challenges.
Innovation Solution
A broker system that centralizes translation operations using a common protocol, storing data in a common format and reducing repetitive translations by converting data once for multiple control systems, enabling efficient communication between industrial automation devices and control systems through Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardwired connections are used for communication between industrial automation devices and control systems, then device connectivity is established, but system complexity and maintenance difficulty increase when adding or replacing components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a broker device as an intermediary component that mediates communication between industrial automation devices and control systems. The broker receives data from automation devices using a first protocol, stores it in a database, and distributes it to multiple control systems using different protocols. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for direct hardwired connections between each automation device and control system, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable connectivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If each control system translates signals from industrial automation devices independently, then data compatibility is achieved, but translation operations are repeated inefficiently across the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the translation function into a single centralized broker device rather than having each control system perform independent translation. The broker translates data from the automation device's protocol to a common format and stores it in a database, allowing multiple control systems to access the translated data without repeating translation operations. This combining of translation functions maintains data compatibility while significantly improving translation efficiency.
3Reliability
If multiple control systems receive data from the same industrial automation device, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but each system performs redundant translation operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the broker device perform translation and store data in a standardized format in advance, before multiple control systems need to access it. The broker translates the automation device's data once, stores the translated data in its database, and then multiple control systems can directly retrieve the pre-translated data without performing redundant translation operations. This preliminary translation action maintains comprehensive monitoring coverage while eliminating redundant processing time.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for performing industrial automation control may include a first device that generates a first set of data formatted according to a first protocol and a second device that generates an automation command. The automation command may control the first device based on the first set of data. The second device may interpret data formatted according to a second protocol. The system may include a broker system coupled between the first device and the second device to transform data communicated between the devices, such as the first set of data, the automation command, or both. For example, the broker system may transmit a set of data generated to communicate the first set of data to the second device formatted according to the second protocol as opposed to being formatting according to the first protocol.