Cloud-Connected Engineering Interface for Remote Industrial Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial control systems lack flexibility in programming and parameterization, as they typically require on-site installation and are inflexible for remote operation, leading to limitations in automation and control.
Innovation Solution
An industrial control system with an engineering device that has a memory and user interface, allowing connection to a cloud device via a programming device, utilizing a security key and project data storage, enabling remote programming and parameterization while ensuring secure authentication and licensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If programming and parameterization are performed on-site at the installation location, then the industrial control system can be configured and controlled locally, but the system lacks flexibility for remote operation and programming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an engineering device as an intermediary between the user and the industrial control system. This engineering device includes a user interface that represents the operating device's user interface, allowing users to program and parameterize the control system remotely without being physically present at the installation location. The engineering device transmits programming data to the operating device via a communication interface, enabling flexible remote operation while maintaining the ability to control the system from a distance.
2Extent of automation
If the engineering device has full programming capabilities locally, then on-site configuration is possible, but remote cloud connectivity and centralized management are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the engineering system into two separate but connected components: an engineering device for local user interaction and programming, and a cloud device for centralized management and data storage. The engineering device contains a user interface and programming capabilities, while the cloud device provides centralized project data management, security key storage, and system-wide coordination. This segmentation allows remote cloud connectivity while distributing complexity across multiple specialized components rather than concentrating all functions in a single device.
3Reliability
If project data and security keys are stored locally in the engineering device, then security is maintained, but remote access and cloud-based project management are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to data storage by implementing both local and cloud-based storage locations. Security keys and project data can be stored locally in the engineering device for immediate security, while simultaneously being accessible remotely through the cloud device. The communication interface enables data transmission between the engineering device and cloud device, allowing the same data to exist in multiple locations with different access permissions. This multi-dimensional storage approach maintains local security while enabling remote access capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
An industrial control system includes an engineering device having a security key, a memory and a first user interface embodied as a display representing a second user interface of an operating device of the industrial control system. The engineering device stores project data and furthermore includes an engineering program running in a cloud, wherein for implementing calculation results, commands and outputs are transmitted via the cloud to the engineering device and/or the operating device. A programming device connects the engineering device to a cloud device. A method for controlling the industrial control system is also described.