Industrial Automation Network Mapping for Non-Disruptive Evaluation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current industrial automation systems require manual and time-consuming processes for evaluating network topologies and component configurations, which can disrupt ongoing operations and are costly, especially in environments where physical objects are manipulated at high speeds, necessitating a more efficient and secure method for background evaluation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an industrial automation network hardware interface and an evaluation module that automatically determines the configuration of industrial automation machines and networks without user interaction, using executable code to establish connections and present the configuration graphically to users, facilitating discovery, mapping, and configuration of automation control devices and network components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual evaluation methods are used to determine network topologies and component configurations, then detailed analysis can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical evaluation processes with automated electronic systems. The evaluation module automatically discovers network topologies and component configurations by interfacing with automation machines and analyzing communication protocols, eliminating the need for human analysts to manually access and evaluate each component while maintaining comprehensive evaluation capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service evaluation where the network infrastructure automatically provides configuration data through standardized interfaces. The evaluation module queries network components directly to extract topology and configuration information without requiring external manual intervention, allowing the system to evaluate itself autonomously
2Reliability
If manual access and evaluation tasks are performed on functioning systems, then ongoing operations can be monitored, but system operation may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation module that acts as a mediator between the operating automation system and the analysis process. This module interfaces with network components through standardized protocols, allowing configuration evaluation without direct manual access to the running system, thus preventing disruption while maintaining evaluation capability
Solution Approach 2:
Manual physical access and evaluation tasks are replaced with automated electronic interfacing. The evaluation module communicates with automation machines through network protocols, eliminating the need for human operators to physically access or manually configure components during system operation
3Loss of information
If comprehensive network evaluation is performed, then complete configuration data can be obtained, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation module is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple evaluation tasks through a single integrated system. It can discover network topologies, identify component configurations, and analyze communication protocols across different automation machines using standardized interfaces, eliminating the need for multiple specialized evaluation tools
Data Source
AI summary
Automation and network components of an industrial automation network are discovered and evaluated using a configured tool that can access the components and determine their interconnection and configuration. The equipment on the network may include automation and monitoring devices, such as controllers, drives, switchgear, and so forth, as well as network components such as servers, routers, industrial managed switches, and so forth. The configuration may be graphically mapped for an operator, and known issues or deficiencies in the detected configuration may be used to evaluate potential problems that can be addressed. The access and evaluation can be done during real-time operation of the system without perturbing its normal automation functions.