Centralized Industrial Control Programming for Distributed Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Managing and updating industrial control programs for large, distributed industrial control networks is complex due to the need for individualized control programs and parameters across various controller units, requiring sophisticated programming environments that can handle multiple types and versions, and facilitate remote maintenance and troubleshooting.

Innovation Solution

A server-device-based programming environment that generates and manages industrial control programs and parameters centrally, accessible via a lean client device, allowing for scalable processing and storage, and enabling remote management and updates of multiple industrial controller units across different geographic locations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a standard desk-top programming environment is used to manage control programs, then individual control programs can be generated, but the environment becomes overwhelmed when managing a large number of different control programs and parameter sets

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAbility to manage multiple control programsVSAvoidProgramming environment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the programming environment and the large number of controller units. The server centralizes the management of control programs and parameter sets, allowing the programming environment to access and manage multiple programs without becoming overwhelmed. This mediator handles the complexity of managing hundreds or thousands of controller configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a local, single-user programming environment to a networked, centralized architecture. By moving the programming environment to a server accessible over a network, the system adds a new dimension (network accessibility) that allows multiple users and locations to access the same programming environment without increasing local device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the same programming environment version is required to generate identical compiled code, then code consistency is maintained, but updates and maintenance become difficult when the programming environment must be repeatedly updated

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCode consistencyVSAvoidProgramming environment maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements version control and configuration management as preliminary actions. The server stores and manages different versions of the programming environment and control programs, allowing administrators to prepare and test updates before deploying them. This preliminary organization of versions and configurations makes maintenance easier while ensuring code consistency through controlled versioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If controller units are distributed geographically over different remote locations, then system coverage is expanded, but maintenance and trouble-shooting complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveGeographic distribution capabilityVSAvoidMaintenance and troubleshooting complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal programming environment on the server that can access and manage controller units regardless of their geographic location. The networked architecture allows the same programming environment to serve multiple distributed locations, providing universal access and management capabilities that reduce maintenance complexity despite geographic distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If a central server provides the programming environment, then management of large control networks is simplified, but hardware requirements for the server increase with network size

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveControl network managementVSAvoidServer processing and storage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic server architecture where processing and storage resources can be scaled and adjusted based on the size and needs of the control network. The server's hardware requirements are not fixed but can be dynamically increased or decreased in proportion to the network size, allowing efficient resource utilization while maintaining ease of management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11159648B2Server-client architecture for an industrial control network

Publication Date: 2021.10.26 CODESYS HLDG GMBH

AI summary

A server device for an industrial control network comprises a first server interface adapted to communicate with a client device over a first network, a second server interface adapted to communicate with a plurality of industrial controller units over a second network, and a programming unit adapted to provide a programming environment for an industrial control program pertaining to at least a first industrial controller unit among the plurality of industrial controller units. The programming environment is accessible from the client device via the first server interface, and the programming unit is adapted to generate source code for the industrial control program in response to an instruction received from the client device via the first server interface.