Control System Configuration Templates for Cloud Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual configuration of control systems in automation technology, especially when connecting them to cloud infrastructure, is error-prone, time-consuming, and requires significant effort, particularly in industrial and building automation, where many systems need similar configurations.
Innovation Solution
A configuration data structure is developed, comprising a cloud component and a system component, allowing for modularization and automation in generating and distributing configuration data structures, enabling control systems to obtain configurations from either the cloud or other control systems, reducing redundant efforts and enhancing flexibility and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration is used for control systems connecting to cloud infrastructure, then configuration can be customized for each system, but the process becomes error-prone and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring template control systems with complete cloud connection settings, system functions, and cloud function mappings before deployment. When a new control system needs configuration, the pre-prepared template is automatically copied and adapted, eliminating the need for manual step-by-step configuration and ensuring consistency while reducing time and errors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration is performed for each control system, then specific requirements can be met, but significant effort is required especially for large numbers of systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements copying by creating master template control systems that contain complete configuration blueprints. These templates can be copied to generate configurations for multiple new control systems automatically. The copying process preserves the adapted cloud connection settings, system functions, and cloud function mappings, enabling rapid deployment of numerous systems with consistent configurations while maintaining adaptability through template customization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If configuration changes are made during operation, then system requirements can be updated, but the effort increases significantly for large numbers of control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the template control system as a master blueprint that serves all control systems in the network. When configuration changes are needed during operation, updates are made to the single template, which then automatically propagates to all copied control systems. This multi-functional approach allows the same template structure to serve both initial configuration and ongoing updates across numerous systems, reducing management complexity while maintaining adaptability.
4Reliability
If cloud functions are set up manually on cloud infrastructure, then proper integration can be achieved, but the process is lengthy and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the mapping between cloud functions and control system functions within the template control system before deployment. The template contains pre-configured cloud function settings, authentication parameters, and integration mappings that are automatically transferred when the template is copied to new control systems. This eliminates the need for manual cloud function setup for each system, ensuring accurate integration while dramatically reducing setup time.
Data Source
AI summary
A configuration data structure for control systems in an automation system and to a method, a cloud computing unit, a control system, and a computer program for generating the configuration data structure. The configuration data structure comprises a cloud component, which provides at least one cloud function that can be carried out on the cloud computing unit, and a system component, which provides at least one system function that can be carried out on the control systems.