Autonomous PLC Function Updates via Remote App Marketplace
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computerized control systems in manufacturing, such as PLCs, require manual intervention for adding or removing functionality, leading to system downtime and economic losses due to the need for physical resources and manual processes.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows a programmable logic controller (PLC) to autonomously pull or push functionality from a remote application repository, using an application manager and marketplace client to request, identify, and transfer necessary applications, enabling on-demand addition or removal of functionality without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual push model is used to add functionality to PLC, then functionality can be added, but system downtime increases and physical resources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional push model by implementing a pull model where the PLC autonomously requests and downloads functionality from a remote repository, eliminating the need for manual user intervention and reducing system downtime
Solution Approach 2:
The PLC is equipped with an application manager that enables it to autonomously identify its functionality needs, query the remote repository, download required applications, and install them without external assistance, making the system self-sufficient in managing its own functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual intervention is used to push functionality to PLC, then functionality can be added, but physical resources and trained users are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automation through an application manager in the PLC that independently manages the entire functionality addition process including querying, selecting, downloading, and installing applications without requiring trained users or manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual process of connecting workstations and pushing functionality with an automated electronic pull model where the PLC autonomously communicates with and downloads from a remote repository through standardized protocols
3Adaptability or versatility
If access to PLC is granted for manual changes, then functionality can be pushed, but security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The PLC autonomously manages its own functionality updates through an application manager that independently queries, selects, and downloads applications without requiring external access, eliminating security vulnerabilities associated with manual access while maintaining system adaptability
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for autonomously providing functionality to a computerized control system includes a logic controller running a first computer application relating to an operations system and an application manager that receives requests for functionality from the first computer application. A remote marketplace client is in communication with the application manager and a remote marketplace that offers computer applications for providing a plurality of functionalities relating to the operations system. A computer application repository stores computer applications providing functionality of the operations system and responsive to receiving the request for functionality the application manager forwards the request to the remote marketplace client. The remote marketplace client queries the remote marketplace for the requested functionality and provides results of the query to the application manager. The application manager performs logic operations on the query results to identify an application to provide the requested functionality. The identified application is downloaded from the marketplace.