Configuration Server for Control System Device Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design and engineering of industrial control systems are complex and time-consuming, requiring manual conversion and configuration by skilled engineers, leading to inefficiencies and errors due to semantic disconnects between data models and redundant tasks.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a configuration server and engineering data gateway to retrieve and convert data sets from multiple data repositories into a graph database, identifying functional dependencies, and generating engineering artifacts such as configuration files and topology diagrams for automated device commissioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual conversion and configuration by skilled engineers is used, then configuration accuracy and domain knowledge application are improved, but time consumption and cost are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically retrieving data from multiple data repositories, converting it to a graph database, and identifying functional dependencies before the actual configuration task. This preliminary automated processing reduces the time required for manual conversion while maintaining accuracy through systematic data integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system comprising a configuration server and engineering data gateway that acts as a mediator between multiple data repositories and the final configuration output. This intermediary automatically retrieves data, converts it to graph database format, and identifies functional dependencies, thereby reducing both time consumption and reliance on manual skilled engineering while maintaining configuration accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate engineering tools with separate data repositories are used, then specialized functionality for different engineering tasks is improved, but system complexity and integration difficulty are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration server is designed with multi-functionality to perform diverse engineering tasks including retrieving data from multiple specialized data repositories, converting data to graph database format, identifying functional dependencies, and generating configuration outputs. This universal system integrates the functionality of multiple separate tools while managing complexity through a unified architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The engineering data gateway serves as an intermediary that facilitates integration between multiple specialized data repositories and the configuration server. It handles data retrieval and conversion, allowing each data repository to maintain its specialized format while enabling seamless integration and reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration processes are used, then flexibility in handling complex engineering scenarios is improved, but productivity and efficiency are decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic data retrieval and conversion processes that can adapt to different engineering scenarios. The graph database structure allows for flexible representation of functional dependencies, and the configuration server can dynamically adjust its processing based on the specific data repositories and engineering tasks involved, maintaining flexibility while improving productivity through automation.
4Productivity
If automated data retrieval and conversion is implemented, then productivity and time efficiency are improved, but dependency identification accuracy and data model understanding are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the configuration server continuously refines its dependency identification based on the graph database structure and functional relationships. The automated process learns from the data patterns and adjusts its conversion and dependency analysis to improve accuracy over time, maintaining high productivity while enhancing dependency identification precision.
Data Source
AI summary
In aspects, the present invention discloses a method of configuring a plurality of devices of a control system using a configuration server connected to a plurality of data repositories using an engineering data gateway. The method comprises retrieving a first data set from a first data repository from the plurality of data repositories, retrieving a second data set associated with the first data set from a second data repositories from the plurality of data repositories, identifying at least one functional dependencies among the first data set and the second data set, generating a plurality of engineering artifacts including a configuration file, and transmitting the configuration file to a corresponding device from the plurality of devices.