Containerized Human Interface Module for Secure Edge Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current human-interface modules (HIMs) in industrial automation systems lack the capability to integrate with cloud and container technologies, face connectivity issues, and have insufficient security measures, leading to vulnerabilities and inefficiencies in data transfer and device management.
Innovation Solution
A HIM equipped with enhanced computing resources to execute deployable containerized applications, provide secure edge computing, and implement digital twins, enabling high-speed Ethernet connections, device attestation, and connectivity via mobile devices for real-time monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional HIM architecture is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but cloud integration capability and security are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the HIM architecture into multiple functional components: a core processing unit, a container execution environment, and a communication interface. This segmentation allows cloud integration capabilities to be added as separate functional modules without fundamentally redesigning the entire HIM architecture, thus improving adaptability while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal container execution environment that can host multiple different application containers simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows a single HIM to adapt to various cloud integration scenarios and communication protocols without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each function, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Speed
If basic connectivity is provided, then device simplicity is maintained, but real-time monitoring and control performance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the HIM with a high-speed communication interface and buffer memory before data transfer operations begin. This allows the system to immediately handle real-time data streams from industrial devices without requiring complex runtime negotiation or protocol handshaking, thus achieving high-speed data transfer while keeping the connectivity infrastructure relatively simple.
3Ease of operation
If cloud connectivity is added, then remote access capability is improved, but security vulnerabilities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary security layer between the cloud network and the industrial automation devices. This intermediary includes authentication mechanisms and encrypted communication channels that mediate all remote access requests, allowing ease of remote operation while maintaining system security by filtering and securing all communications between the cloud and local devices.
4Productivity
If traditional communication protocols are used, then compatibility is maintained, but data transfer efficiency and security are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from traditional industrial communication protocols to modern high-speed Ethernet-based protocols with enhanced security features. This parameter change in communication methodology improves data transfer efficiency and security while the patent manages the resulting complexity through standardized implementation and integration layers that abstract the protocol details.
Data Source
AI summary
A human-interface module (HIM) for an industrial automation system includes processing circuitry, and a memory, accessible by the processing circuitry, the memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to perform operations including receiving instructions to control one or more industrial automation devices of the industrial automation system via a cloud-based computing system or a mobile computing device communicatively coupled to the HIM. The operations may also include generating one or more control signals based on the instructions, transmitting the one or more control signals to the one or more industrial automation devices via an Ethernet connection, receiving process data associated with the one or more industrial automation devices, and transmitting the process data to the mobile computing device.